2025-12-11 Vital Pathways: Advancing Physical Therapy in Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Specialty

Rajashree Mondkar, PT, MSPT, CCS, is a physical therapist with over 40 years of experience in acute and critical care in the U.S., U.K., India, and Qatar. She is currently a Rehab Education Specialist in critical care, as well as a Program Coordinator for the Acute Care and Neurology Residency at Houston Methodist Hospital.

Rajashree earned a Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) and Master of Science (Physiotherapy – Cardiovascular & Pulmonary) at the University of Bombay, India, and has been a Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist since 1994. She has been a clinical mentor, lecturer, and guest lecturer in India and the U.S. She has served as a faculty member for the Neurological Residency, Critical Care Fellowship, and Acute Care Residency programs at Houston Methodist Hospital and Ben Taub Hospital. She is a recipient of APTA Acute Care Katherine Harris Educator Award. Rajashree also has additional experience on assignment in Saudi Arabia and as a volunteer in Ukraine training local medical professionals.

Dr. Ayres is a graduate of Angelo State University physical therapy school in 2008 and received her DPT from Hardin-Simmons University in 2012. She has 12 years of clinical experience practicing at Texas Health Resources Fort Worth where she developed her passion for cardiac and pulmonary care in the acute setting. She is a graduate of Brigham and Women’s Cardiovascular and Pulmonary residency program located in Boston, MA and a DPT Board Certified Specialist in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy. Dr. Ayres’ research interests include Generation Z students’ learning preferences and developing teaching strategies for Generation Z students. She currently serves as course director for cardiovascular and pulmonary content, integumentary physical therapy, and rural and underserved populations.

Dr. Terry Schwing is an acute care physical therapist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He is a Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist. Terry graduated from Ohio University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2012 and completed his Critical Care Fellowship at Houston Methodist Hospital in 2017.  After graduating from his fellowship training, he joined the faculty in 2018.  He also served as faculty for Houston Methodist's acute care residency beginning in 2020.  Terry is passionate about promoting early mobility in the ICU setting.  To this end, he has presented at the International Symposium on Advances in Critical Care Medicine regarding mobility in the ICU and co-authored multiple studies published in physical therapy journals.