معرفی
Tamara N. Gravano serves as Associate Professor of Instruction and Doctoral Program Director in the Health and Rehabilitation Sciences department at Temple University's College of Public Health. A board certified geriatric physical therapy clinical specialist, she maintains active clinical practice in outpatient and skilled nursing settings while directing the DPT program and teaching graduate courses for over 16 years.
Her educational background includes a BHS, MSPT, and transitional DPT from the University of Miami, followed by an EdD in Leadership Studies from Marshall University. She was among the first two graduates of the inaugural Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program.
Dr. Gravano's research centers on geriatric rehabilitation and leadership development in physical therapy education. Her work emphasizes evidence-based practice for aging populations, clinical education models, and professional development frameworks for physical therapists. She actively bridges academic theory with clinical application through her dual roles in education and per diem practice.
Her scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on geriatric care innovation and leadership training across rehabilitation sciences.
Professional recognition includes:
- APTA Emerging Leader Award
- APTA Lucy Blair Service Award
- Joan Mills Award from the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
She provides significant service through committee leadership including former director roles on APTA-Geriatrics and APTA-Education boards, past chair of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Geriatric Council, and former board member of ABPTRFE. As co-director of the APTA-Geriatrics Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults program, she develops national certification standards and trains clinicians in evidence-based exercise protocols for older adults.
Her clinical instruction expertise extends to serving as certified level 1 clinical instructor trainer for APTA and former item writer for the National Physical Therapy Board Examination, significantly influencing professional credentialing standards.
