Central hosts inaugural Allied Health Conference focused on innovation, integration, and impact

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Central welcomed healthcare leaders, practitioners, alumni, and students to its inaugural Allied Health Sciences conference on April 14. Centered on the theme “Innovation, Integration, Impact,” the daylong event highlighted emerging trends, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the evolving future of allied health.

“The themes guiding this conference — innovation, integration, and impact — are key parts of our mission as an institution,” said Central President Zulma R. Toro during her welcoming remarks. “Through the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, we are committed to advancing innovation in allied health education and practice. We are focused on preparing graduates who are not only highly skilled, but also collaborative and ready to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities.”

The conference brought together faculty experts and other leaders from across the healthcare landscape. Sessions throughout the day explored how innovation and collaboration are reshaping patient care, education, and workforce development in allied health fields.

Mike D. Ryan, PT, ATC, a 1985 graduate of Central’s athletic training program, delivered the keynote address and led a foam-roller demonstration in Barnard Hall during morning breakout sessions after his keynote address.

Ryan is a nationally recognized physical therapist and sports medicine expert, who was inducted into Central’s Alumni Circle of Inspiration in 2025.

His keynote address, titled “Advancing Allied Health by Advancing YOU: Mastering Your 4 Ms,” outlined the benefits of movement, mindset, meals, and moonlight (sleep) —particularly for allied health professionals.

Drawing on his extensive career in professional sports and clinical practice, he emphasized the importance of personal well-being, resilience, and continuous growth as essential components of professional success.

"The key thing of all this is not to get you to run marathons and do all these other things you may not want to do," he noted. "It's just you to live an active lifestyle that makes you happy. Period."

He added, "It's important for all of us to know what motivates us. Why do we get out of bed in the morning? Why do we do what we do? Let's face it, as allied health professionals, it's not the easiest job. We do a lot, we sacrifice a lot, we spend a lot of time, we're always helping others. We've got to turn that mirror around and help ourselves, too."

The audience responds to a question from keynote speaker Mike Ryan during the inaugural Allied Health Sciences Conference hosted by the College of Health at Central Connecticut State University on April 14.

The audience responds to a question from keynote speaker Mike Ryan during the inaugural Allied Health Sciences Conference hosted by the College of Health at Central Connecticut State University on April 14. (All photos by Johnathon Henninger)

Conference guests try out some of the gear in Central's XR Lab during the inaugural Allied Health Sciences Conference

Conference guests try out some of the gear in Central's XR Lab during the inaugural Allied Health Sciences Conference.

Dr. Jayanthi Kandiah greets attendees at the inaugural Allied Health Sciences Conference

Dr. Jayanthi Kandiah greets attendees at the inaugural Allied Health Sciences Conference.

Mike Ryan demonstrates a foam roller exercise at Barnard Hall.

Mike Ryan demonstrates a foam roller exercise during his workshop held in Barnard Hall.