Heidi M. Garske

Heidi M. Garske is an Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Samuel Merritt University. Since 2018, she has focused on clinical education, pediatric physical therapy, health equity, and interprofessional communication. Her prior experience includes 15 years in private practice, neonatal therapy in intensive care units, and clinical instruction.

• Education: Bachelor's in Health Education, Master of Physical Therapy (MPT), Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) from Chapman University (2017), and Doctoral Candidate in Pacific University’s PhD in Education and Leadership program.

Her scholarly work centers on resilience frameworks for optimizing health professions education and assessing clinical education tools. She has developed APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor courses and integrated DEI curricula into interprofessional education.

Current research trends include assessing clinical evaluation tools, neonatal care, and fostering resilience. Her publication in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education (2022) demonstrates her focus on standardizing clinical education assessments across institutions.

• Scientific Awards: APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor (Level I & II), Level I Trainer, National Academy of Practice member, and Chapman University graduation speaker.

As Director of Clinical Education, she coordinates final clinical experiences, mentors students, and collaborates with clinical partners. Her community service includes Meals on Wheels volunteering, Leukemia Lymphoma Society fundraising, and mentoring high school students through the Youth Heart Center Program.