Sarah Luna

Sarah Luna, PT, DPT, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Regis University and a PhD in Translational Science from UT Health San Antonio. With over 17 years of clinical experience in acute care, she continues part-time practice while contributing to academic and community service.

Education:

• Bachelor's in Exercise and Sports Science, Texas State University (2001)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Regis University (2004)
• PhD in Translational Science, UT Health San Antonio

Dr. Luna’s research focuses on integrating medical humanities into physical therapy education to foster empathy, reduce bias, and improve patient care. Her work also explores geriatric mobility, chronic pain, and student engagement in problem-based learning environments. She investigates how footwear affects joint function in older adults and how resilience and burnout impact DPT students.

Her recent publications and presentations reveal a strong trend toward humanistic, patient-centered education in physical therapy. She emphasizes leadership integrity, emotional resilience, and ethical professionalism in training future clinicians. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges clinical practice, translational research, and educational innovation.

Scientific and Professional Contributions:

• Active member, American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT)
• Secretary, Consortium for the Humanities, Ethics and Professionalism Leadership Committee
• Participant in Texas Physical Therapy Foundation-funded research

Dr. Luna advises curriculum development as Chair of the Professional Topics Thread Committee and serves on multiple academic and faculty affairs committees. She is a clinical instructor and co-instructor in professional development and capstone courses. She also contributes to community health through the UIW SRS Community Clinic, offering low-cost physical therapy to underserved populations. Her service extends to the San Antonio Food Bank and her local parish.

She leads and participates in research teams focused on empathy, burnout, and educational engagement in DPT programs. Her collaborative projects with colleagues like Amy Wagner and Nathan Brown highlight team-based scholarship in rehabilitation sciences.