Skip to main content

Clinician-scientists bridge a key gap between research and clinical practice, these PTs say. But there simply aren't enough of them.

Feature - Clinician Scientists

Jim Gordon, PT, EdD, FAPTA, began his physical therapy career as a clinician. Several years in, however, he determined that he was drawn to research. Gordon returned to school, earned a doctorate in education, and in time became a clinician-scientist. He now is associate dean and chair of the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. Gordon insists that producing more clinician-scientists is crucial for the profession of physical therapy.

"This has been a problem for a long time," Gordon says. He adds, however, "We're not the only profession facing a lack of clinician-scientists. There's a lot of discussion of this in medical schools, as well."

Log in or create a free account to keep reading.


Join APTA to get unlimited access to content.


You Might Also Like...

News

APTA Flash Action Strategy 2025: 8,500 Falls Prevention Letters Sent to Congress

Oct 6, 2025

Thousands of PT and PTA students participated in APTA’s Flash Action Strategy,  Sept. 17-18, by creating social media posts and videos promoting falls

News

Physical Therapist Workforce Legislation Introduced in the U.S. House

Oct 2, 2025

APTA-championed legislation, which would help bolster the physical therapy workforce, especially in rural and underserved areas, was reintroduced in the

News

PT For Future Me: APTA’s New National Physical Therapy Month Campaign

Oct 1, 2025

October is National Physical Therapy Month — a time to celebrate the profession, spotlight the many benefits of physical therapy, and showcase the impact