Kara L. Kobal

Kara L. Kobal, Associate Professor and Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) On-Campus Option at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS), combines clinical expertise with academic leadership. Since 2021, she has spearheaded educational innovation for both on-campus and hybrid DPT students.

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), University of Pittsburgh
• Doctor of Health Science (DHSc), Drexel University

Her research focuses on clinical reasoning in physical therapy education, emphasizing evidence-based strategies to improve decision-making in entry-level PT training. Kobal also champions hybrid learning models, drawing from her personal experience as a student in Drexel’s hybrid DHSc program. She collaborates across DPT program formats to integrate active learning techniques and asynchronous technologies, strengthening curriculum alignment while respecting structural differences.

Kobal’s professional contributions include leadership in the American Physical Therapy Association and clinical direction of Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s FUNfitness program. She advocates for diversity in physical therapy education and has pioneered approaches to bridge gaps between traditional and hybrid teaching methods.