MARQUETTE — When your physical therapist hands you his or her business card, do you wonder what the letters mean? What are their credentials? How is this person going to help me overcome this life-changing event that I’ve just experienced?

The UP Health System-Marquette Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit recently announced that Ritesh Tripathi, PT, MPT, has earned one of the highest designations in the field of physical therapy by becoming a board-certified clinical specialist in neurology physical therapy.

A board-certified clinical specialist in neurology is a licensed physical therapist who has:

1) completed over 2,000 hours working with individuals who have neurologic dysfunction like those who have suffered a stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

2) demonstrated competency in the following areas: Patient care including examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis and intervention; patient education; interpretation of research; administration; and consultation.

3) passed the Neurologic Clinical Specialist Examination.

4) obtained certification in neurologic physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

“It’s because of (Tripathi’s) dedication and hard work that we are able to provide this highly sought-after service to our patients, thereby improving the lives of our patients and those who live in our communities,” a press release from the hospital states.