Amy Wagner

Amy Wagner is a Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), where she contributes significantly to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Her academic and clinical work bridges physical therapy, geriatrics, women’s health, and innovative educational methods involving comics and narrative reasoning.

Education:

• B.S. in Mathematical Sciences – University of California, Santa Barbara
• MPT and DPT – Azusa Pacific University
• PhD – Azusa Pacific University

Dr. Wagner's research interests are deeply interdisciplinary, focusing on women's health across the lifespan, Parkinson’s disease, successful aging in place, fall prevention, and wellness in older adults. She is a pioneer in integrating comics and graphic narratives into health education, using visual storytelling to enhance health literacy and empathy in both students and patients. Her work in professional identity formation and evidence-based practice further enriches DPT curriculum development.

The 15 most recent publications and presentations reveal a strong trend toward interdisciplinary scholarship, combining physical therapy with medical humanities, education, and public health. Key themes include the use of comics for teaching and patient engagement, biomechanical studies on Pilates and footwear, and clinical reasoning in acute and geriatric care. These works span journals and conferences in rehabilitation, education, and graphic medicine, reflecting her innovative and integrative approach.

Scientific Contributions:

• Extensive peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, and New Directions in Teaching and Learning.
• Frequent presenter at national and international conferences including APTA CSM, Graphic Medicine, and Comics Arts Conference.
• Leader in developing curricula on narrative reasoning, problem-based learning, and professional self-reflection.

Dr. Wagner actively mentors students and junior faculty, often collaborating on research and presentations. She has led multiple institutional research initiatives and contributed to program development in evidence-based practice and acute care physical therapy education. Her service spans departmental, university, and professional levels, with involvement in curriculum design and scholarly review. She is also engaged in community outreach, particularly in aging and wellness programs.

She is associated with research teams exploring the role of visual narratives in healthcare and interdisciplinary geriatric care models. Her lab or research group, while not formally named, operates through collaborative projects in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, focusing on patient-centered innovation and educational transformation.