Global Health Special Interest Group

Nominating Committee Member

JESSICA DENNISTON, PT, DPT

BIOGRAPHY

I come from my family's farmland in Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania (fourth generation). I am an avid book reader, mover (preferably outside), traveler, and food cooker / eater. I met my husband in Houston seven years ago, and we live in the Philadelphia suburbs with our 3 "fur kids." Professionally, I am an alumnus of the Arcadia University DPT program (class of 2015), a licensed direct-access physical therapist in the state of Pennsylvania, a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (2018), and a certified yoga instructor (2020). After clinical rotations with NYU and Brooks Rehabilitation, my clinical practice started with TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas in the inpatient rehabilitation setting, where I collaborated with individuals after stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. I also specialized within the Disorders of Consciousness (DoC), Neurobehavioral, and Spasticity Management teams, where some of my interests in education and research reside. I am a member of the Neurology and Leadership and Innovations sections of the APTA, and my continuing education focuses on best practice in education, global health and policy, diversity equity and inclusion, and hospice and palliative care. I have also worked with AU DPT's international service learning programs since 2014, in addition to regular volunteer work in local outpatient pro-bono clinics, leading to my current role as Director of Student Experiential Learning. I am currently exploring opportunities to increase my contribution to scholarship, and expand my education into the realm of public health. 
    

STATEMENT

The Global Health SIG has been a compass in my career as a junior faculty member. I value the content and the discussions, which are crucial to doing my work as a physical therapist, educator, and advocate with integrity. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with, contribute to, and learn from the SIG and the rest of the Academy in this role.