Lesley E. Smith

Lesley E. Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, part of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. She holds a BA in Business Studies from Manchester Metropolitan University, an MS in Physical Therapy from Boston University, and a DPT from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. With over 25 years of clinical experience, her expertise spans geriatric physical therapy, neurologic patient care, and acute rehabilitation. Dr. Smith practices at Spaulding Cape Cod Rehab Hospital, focusing on stroke recovery and locomotor training. She also serves as a Clinical Instructor at the Ionta PT Center for Clinical Education and Health Promotion.

Her research interests include innovative clinical education methods, such as virtual environment-based psychomotor skill training, and interprofessional wellness initiatives. Dr. Smith actively mentors students in case study development, guiding them to present at regional and national conferences. Her scholarly work emphasizes evidence-based practices in resource-limited settings and dispelling myths in locomotor training techniques.

Dr. Smith’s presentations address topics like integrated clinical education models and stroke rehabilitation outcomes, reflecting her commitment to advancing both clinical practice and academic training in physical therapy.