Laura Plummer

Laura Plummer serves as the Dean of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and holds the position of Distinguished Teaching Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Department at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. She has been with the Institute since 2004, beginning her career there as a lab instructor and term lecturer before advancing to department chair and ultimately dean. Her leadership extends to both academic administration and clinical practice, with a current clinical position at the Movement Disorders Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Plummer's educational background includes:

• BS, PT from the University of Vermont
• MS in Physical Therapy with Neurology Specialization from MGH Institute of Health Professions
• DPT from MGH Institute of Health Professions
• EdD from Northeastern University with specialization in Higher Education Administration

With over 25 years of clinical experience as a Board Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, Dr. Plummer has established herself as an expert in neurological rehabilitation. Her research and scholarly work increasingly focuses on the scholarship of teaching and learning, particularly in the context of physical therapy education. She has been instrumental in developing frameworks for movement analysis and balance diagnoses through her work with the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, which aims to standardize physical therapy practice and improve clinical outcomes.

Dr. Plummer's scholarly contributions demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing physical therapy education, especially in adapting to new challenges such as the pandemic. Her work spans virtual teaching methodologies, student assessment in telepractice, mentoring for minoritized students, and tracking clinical reasoning development.

Her notable achievements include:

• Nancy T. Watts Award for Excellence in Teaching (2017)
• Board Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (since 2003)
• Graduation from a prestigious Executive Leadership Program (2024)

As an academic leader and educator, Dr. Plummer has been actively involved in curriculum development, particularly in incorporating movement system analysis and diagnoses into physical therapy education. She has presented her work nationally, including at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting, and continues to advance the profession through research, education, and leadership.