Melissa A. Lesser

Melissa A. Lesser is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Co-Director of Clinical Education in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania. She oversees clinical education experiences for graduate students and teaches courses in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy. Her clinical expertise includes acute care physical therapy, with extensive experience at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), where she currently works as a per diem therapist and previously served as Co-Site Coordinator of Clinical Education. Dr. Lesser holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Drexel University and a BS in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University.

Her research focuses on cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, acute care interventions, and innovations in clinical education. Notable work includes developing postural assessment tools for stroke patients and exploring pandemic-driven educational strategies like lecture recording and virtual clinical site visits. She actively contributes to professional organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), engaging with its acute care, cardiopulmonary, and education sections.

Dr. Lesser’s scholarly activity spans over a decade, addressing topics like patient mobility programs for trauma patients and barriers to physical therapy residency education. Her work emphasizes bridging clinical practice and education to enhance student preparedness and patient outcomes.