MICHAEL BLIZNIAK, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, COMT, CSCS
Yakima, WA
BIOGRAPHY
Michael grew up in Buffalo, New York. He attended Ithaca College, where he completed a direct entry Doctor of Physical Therapy program. He completed his undergraduate degree in Clinical Science in 2009 and his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2010.
Michael began clinical practice in 2011 and has pursued several post-graduate certifications. He is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. He is also a Certified Orthopedic Manual/Manipulative Therapist (COMT) through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and BikeFit Pro. Michael is completing a Ph.D. in Health Sciences at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
Michael began his Assistant Professorship at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) School of Physical Therapy in 2020. He teaches Orthopedic, Service Learning, and Leadership courses and is the founding director of the Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic at the Yakima Union Gospel Mission and Student Physical Therapy Clinic at Yakima Neighborhood Health Services. He leads DPT students who treat underinsured clients in integrated clinical experience courses. Michael's research focuses on health disparities, particularly the role of implicit biases in physical therapy practice.
STATEMENT
Hello,
I am incredibly grateful for this potential opportunity to serve on the Global Health Special Interest Group Nominating Committee. I've been fortunate to have just completed my PhD in Health Sciences in the summer of 2025. I look forward to renewing my participation within the global health physical therapy community. I've been on a one-month-long Nepali-led service trip with the Nomads Clinic in the fall of 2019, and I would like to help others realize their potential while serving within the global health physical therapy arena. If selected for this role, I hope to learn more and contribute at a higher level to the GHSIG.
Thank you,
Michael Blizniak
