Sharon Gorman

Sharon Gorman is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Physical Therapy at Samuel Merritt University. She is a Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist and a Fellow of the National Academies of Practice. Her roles include teaching in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, focusing on courses related to healthcare systems, evidence-based practice, and acute care preparation. She actively practices as a Senior Physical Therapist at Kaiser medical centers in Walnut Creek and San Leandro.

Education: She holds a Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of California/San Francisco State University, a Master of Science in Health Science from San Francisco State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Mt. St. Mary’s University, Los Angeles. She is board-certified in Geriatric Physical Therapy and holds advanced certifications in vestibular disorders and neurodevelopmental treatment.

Research focuses on sitting balance measurement (via the Function In Sitting Test/FIST), curricular enhancements in physical therapy education, and financial stress among students. She collaborates nationally on simulation training initiatives and has published extensively on acute care, geriatrics, and educational methodologies.

Her awards include the 2023 Irion Award and APTA’s James Dunleavy Distinguished Service Award. She serves in leadership roles within the APTA, including membership on the SIM Networking Community and Academic Faculty SIG. Community involvement includes roles with Hands for Global Health and Health Volunteers Overseas.