Kathryn Sawyer

Kathryn Sawyer, Ph.D., M.S., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Tufts University School of Medicine. She previously held appointments in Tufts' Department of Public Health and Community Medicine (2022–2023) and as an Assistant Professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (2019–2022). Her clinical background includes 12 years as a Physical Therapist at Texas Orthopedic Hospital.

Education:

• PhD in Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University
• MS in Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University
• BS in Communication Studies, University of Texas at Austin

Her research integrates neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation, with emphases on Parkinson disease (e.g., gait analysis, backward walking interventions) and innovative clinical education frameworks. Publications from 2023–2025 demonstrate consistent focus on validating assessment tools for movement disorders and developing inclusive pedagogical models in physical therapy training.

Certifications:

• Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (ABPTS)
• Credentialed Clinical Instructor, Level 2 (APTA)
• Texas Licensed Physical Therapist

She teaches courses including Patient Centered Care and Physical Therapy Fundamentals, reflecting her commitment to translational education.