Buz Chmielewski has been educating students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at University of Maryland, Baltimore for over 10 years. Additionally, he teaches in the Occupational Therapy program at Towson University and the Nursing program at University of Maryland, Baltimore. Buz is a peer mentor at University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Institute and helps to organize and facilitate the monthly spinal cord injury support group there. He combines his life experience and teaching skills to facilitate conversations about sexuality and disability.
In this thought-provoking article, Cara Felter, PT, DPT, MPH describes a paired approach between a faculty member and an individual with a spinal cord injury to teach physical therapy students about sexuality and disability, and offer guidance for speaking with patients about this sensitive subject.