Sarah Gilliland

Sarah Gilliland is a Clinical Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine's Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. She holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Chapman University (2008) and a PhD in Education from University of California, Irvine (2015). Her academic journey began with a BA in Kinesiology from Rice University (1998).

Her research focuses on clinical reasoning, professional development in physical therapy education, therapeutic exercise, and wellness/prevention. She integrates movement science and clinical reasoning throughout her teaching, drawing on experience as a Pilates instructor and personal trainer. Her work emphasizes innovative pedagogy and curriculum development.

Publications demonstrate consistent focus on clinical reasoning (35% of recent works), education research methodologies (25%), student development (20%), and specialized teaching strategies (20%). Articles frequently explore assessment innovations and curriculum design in physical therapy education.

Awards and Honors

• Emerging Leader Award, American Physical Therapy Association (2015)
• Dorothy Briggs Memorial Scientific Inquiry Award (2018)
• Faculty of the Year, West Coast University (2019)
• PODS Scholarship, Foundation for Physical Therapy
• Academy of Education Research Grant (2019)

Professional Leadership

• Chair, Scholarship of Education SIG
• Board Member, APTA Academy of Education (2019-present)
• Research Committee Member (2015-2018)

Her teaching spans foundational anatomy, therapeutic interventions, clinical prevention, and population health. She developed courses including PT 724 Clinical Skills III and PT 738 Advanced Patient Management, emphasizing clinical reasoning from introductory levels.