Tributes

Dr. Giovanni De Domenico, Ph.D., recently retired Professor and Chair of the Physical Therapy Department, died Saturday, April 10, 2010 after a brief illness. Dr. De Domenico arrived at the Health Science Center in 2000. His leadership greatly enhanced the administrative functions of the department, improved faculty stability, and further developed the curriculum to provide exceptional providers of rehabilitation services throughout Texas and the nation. He most recently led the Department of Physical Therapy in the creation of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program – the School of Health Profession's first doctoral degree program. Dr. De Domenico's academic career spanned a total of 35 years assisting students to achieve their professional goals of becoming physical therapists. Before arriving in San Antonio, Dr. De Domenico enjoyed a rich, international career doing what he loved. He chaired the Department of Physical Therapy at The University of South Alabama in Mobile from 1994 through 1999, directed the School of Physiotherapy at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada from 1992 through 1994, and served as a faculty member in physical therapy programs at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia, The School of Physiotherapy, Sydney Australia, and several well-recognized schools of physiotherapy in the United Kingdom. Dr. De Domenico received his Ph.D. in physiology at The School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia and a master's degree in applied psychology from University of Aston, Birmingham, United Kingdom. Dr. De Domenico was an internationally recognized expert in the field of electrophysical agents in the provision of physical therapy. He authored numerous papers, books, and monographs and presented his work all over the world. Dr. De Domenico was also a reviewer and editorial board member for several international journals. Dr. De Domenico's commitment to his profession, the UT Health Science Center, faculty, and students will have long-lasting effects. Dr. De Domenico revitalized the University of Texas Health Science Center Physical Therapy Alumni Association. This association experienced tremendous growth during his tenure and has amassed a sizable endowment for student scholarships. Most of the faculty Dr. De Domenico originally recruited and hired remain on faculty today. He is responsible for overseeing the education of over 300 physical therapy graduates, most of whom practice in Texas and many in medically underserved areas of our state. Dr. De Domenico was also a strong supporter and leader of the Texas Society of Allied Health Professions, and served as president and historian of that organization. Dr. De Domenico's love for educating and mentoring students was matched with his affection for his hobbies of carpentry, home renovations, photography, and collecting treasures from his world travels. He delighted in showing off his projects and photographs to friends and co-workers. Dr. De Domenico is survived by his son, Josh De Domenico, sister, Maria Jefford. We lift up our prayers to Jacqueline Montez who sacrificed tremendously through her unconditional love as the primary caregiver to Giovanni and the very special friends from Believers Fellowship who offered their time, devotion, prayers and blessings to Giovanni as he courageously persevered after his illness. Family also wish to thank Dr. Ian Thompson, Dr. Tamara Simpson, Dr. Bryan Lin, Dr. Sandra Fox and the many great attending physicians and nurses at the University Hospital . In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the UT Health Science Center Physical Therapy Alumni Association where a scholarship in Dr. De Domenico's name will be established. Contributions may be mailed to The Department of Physical Therapy, UT Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 6247, San Antonio, TX 78229.

Tributes

Dr. Giovanni Gion De Domenico

January 14, 1949 - April 10, 2010