Kavork Hagopian

Kavork Hagopian serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education in the Department of Physical Therapy within Rosalind Franklin University's College of Health Professions. A Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), he maintains active outpatient clinical practice while leading educational initiatives and research in physical therapy education.

His educational background includes:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
• Master of Business Administration from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management
• Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis
• Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Medical Studies and Biology from Augustana College

Dr. Hagopian's research investigates clinical education frameworks, focusing on director-level challenges and student confidence development across educational models. His work examines pandemic impacts on didactic learning, ethical issues in clinical training, and orthopedic rehabilitation efficacy through movement system classifications. Current projects analyze collaborative skill acquisition and perception gaps in entry-level DPT programs.

His scholarly output demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between educational theory, clinical practice, and patient outcomes, with recent work spanning amputation rehabilitation, shoulder pathology management, and ethical safeguarding in clinical education. This reflects his dual expertise in orthopedics and educational leadership.

Professional recognitions include:

• Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists
• APTA Certified Advanced Clinical Instructor
• ABPTS Geriatric Clinical Specialist (2002-2012)

As Director of Clinical Education, he coordinates the Clinical Skills Series, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Practice Issues Series, and Professional Practicum. He mentors students through clinical rotations and research projects, particularly on confidence metrics during pandemic-disrupted education. His leadership extends to curriculum development for the REVITALIZE conference and clinical instructor training programs.

Dr. Hagopian serves as Treasurer for the Academy of Amputation and Limb Loss Physical Therapy Executive Committee and contributes to the APTA Academy of Education and Orthopedic Physical Therapy. His clinical practice informs evidence-based teaching approaches while maintaining active engagement with professional societies to advance physical therapy standards.