Sara E. Bills

Sara E. Bills is an Assistant Professor and Associate Director in the Physical Therapy program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Allied Health Professions. She holds board certification as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist and completed the Wound Treatment Associate program from the Wound Ostomy Continence Society. Her educational background includes a DPT from UNMC and a BS in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Dr. Bills' research focuses on cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation with special emphasis on:

• Exercise adherence mechanisms in heart failure populations
• Quality of life improvements for geriatric patients
• Interventions for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
• Multidisciplinary approaches to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation

Her publication record demonstrates consistent focus on cardiac rehabilitation, with recent methodological innovations in telehealth interventions for heart failure patients and development of movement system models for physical therapy education. Articles frequently incorporate mixed-methods approaches examining both physiological outcomes and psychosocial factors influencing treatment adherence.

Awards recognizing her contributions include:

• Chancellor's Council Silver U Award (2022)
• UNMC Outstanding Teacher Award (2019)
• Excellence in Teaching Award, College of Allied Health Professions (2019)
• Induction into Interprofessional Academy of Educators (2018)
• PT Clinical Excellence Award (2013)

As principal investigator of the Heart Camp research initiative, she develops exercise interventions applicable to diverse clinical settings. She maintains active membership in the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Education, and Geriatric Academies of the American Physical Therapy Association.