Karen Blood

Karen Blood is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Quinnipiac University's School of Health Sciences. She teaches core courses including Pathophysiology & Pharmacology I, Physical Therapy Process I Lab, Scholarly Inquiry II, and Physical Therapy Skills Elective. She is actively involved in curriculum development, student mentorship, and professional leadership.

Education:

• BS in Exercise Science, Sacred Heart University
• MS in Physical Therapy, Sacred Heart University
• DPT, Northeastern University
• DHS (Doctor of Health Science), University of Bridgeport, focused on healthcare education

Her research and professional interests span geriatric physical therapy, resilience training in students, deprescribing, interprofessional education, and competency-based curriculum development. She has led national initiatives to revise essential geriatric competencies for entry-level physical therapists. Her recent publications and presentations emphasize the integration of the Geriatric 5Ms model into education and practice, student mental health, and interdisciplinary collaboration in acute and geriatric care.

Karen Blood has been recognized as a Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties since 2011, with recertification valid through 2031. She has also contributed to educational innovation through journal clubs, curriculum design, and leadership in professional organizations.

She mentors Doctor of Physical Therapy students in scholarly projects, particularly in areas of burnout, stress, and gratitude interventions. She has received research support for student-led projects on resilience and wellness. Her teaching and scholarship are closely tied to clinical practice, where she continues to serve as a Physical Therapist at Griffin Hospital.

Karen is actively involved in professional service, including leadership roles in the American Physical Therapy Association. She chairs the Academic Education Committee for the Academy of Geriatrics and serves on the Geriatric Specialty Panel for the American Board of Physical Therapist Specialists. Her work has helped shape national standards for geriatric physical therapy education.