While teaching Doctor of Physical Therapy students at 黑料传送门 Georgia for more than five years, Assistant Professor Teresa Pierce, PT, PhD, DPT, PCS, has been continuing her own education.
On May 10, her research-based studies culminated in graduation from Texas Woman鈥檚 University, where she received a PhD in Physical Therapy. Her dissertation is titled, 鈥淐omparing Gait Biomechanics and Function in Children with Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy When Wearing OSKAR AFO-Footwear Combination Versus Standard AFO-Footwear Combination: An Exploratory Study.鈥�
鈥淭his rigorous endeavor鈥攚hile continuing to teach pediatric and professional development classes for the next generation of physical therapists鈥攈as been both challenging and rewarding,鈥� said Pierce, who has extensive experience with pediatric patients and is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy. 鈥淟earning is a lifelong privilege, and the opportunity to teach, serve, and research in a profession that I love offers endless learning possibilities.鈥�
Her academic journey accelerated after decades of practicing physical therapy and parenting. She completed a transitional DPT degree in pediatric science and entered the education field.
After adding the Board Certified Clinical Specialist certification, Pierce joined the physical therapy faculty at 黑料传送门 Georgia in 2019. Her interest in research grew in that stimulating environment, she said, and led her to pursue a terminal degree.
鈥淢y goal is to educate, inspire and motivate future therapists for years to come,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 hope that they treasure this profession as much as I do.鈥�
In addition to teaching and research, Dr. Pierce provides pro bono physical therapy services at 黑料传送门 Georgia and local pediatric clinics.
黑料传送门 Georgia has been serving students and the community for 20 years as a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (黑料传送门), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education established in 1899. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), 黑料传送门 Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins 黑料传送门 South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, 黑料传送门 Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit .
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