Justin Wong, PT, DPT (he/him) is a physical therapist and Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist whose work bridges clinical practice, teaching, and scholarship. He currently serves as faculty in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the Clinical Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. His teaching focuses on orthopedic clinical reasoning, manual therapy, and the integration of social and structural determinants of health.
Clinically, Justin practices as a Clinical Specialist at Spaulding Outpatient Center in Malden, MA, where he provides orthopedic care to a diverse caseload and mentors DPT students during clinical rotations. He is also an active contributor to professional development through continuing education for licensed clinicians. His scholarly work includes peer-reviewed publications and presentations on culturally responsive education and mentorship, as well as advancing equity in the field of physical therapy.
Justin earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from Boston University and completed his orthopaedic residency through the MGH Institute of Health Professions. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at the Institute, with research interests in health data and physical therapy outcomes.
- BS, Health Studies, Boston University, Boston, MA
- DPT, Boston University, Boston, MA
- Orthopedics
- Manual Therapy
- Social Justice and Health Equity
Some of Justin's titles are highlighted below. You can view a listing on Google Scholar or in his CV.
Justin presents at conferences and industry events. Please see his CV for a complete list of presentations.
Introducing social & structural determinants of health: beginning with the end in mind. Oral presentation at: Connecting Physical Therapy Practice, Social Justice and Health Equity Conference.
Social determinants of health: do you know your neighbor?. Oral presentation at: Connecting Physical Therapy Practice, Social Justice, and Health Equity Conference
Mentoring the mentor: Building clinical instructor cross-cultural capital and fostering belonging to minoritized DPT Students. Poster presented at: APTA Combined Sections Meeting.
What year did you start the program?
2025
Current research setting(s), mentor’s name and name of lab.
Mentors: Kate Jochimsen, PhD, ATC - Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research (CHOIR)
at Massachusetts General Hospital; Benjamin Adams, PT, DPT, PhD - MGH Institute of Health Professions Department of Physical Therapy
What are your research interests?
My research interests exist in the intersection of musculoskeletal health outcomes, psychosocial factors, and population health data. Drawing on my clinical experience in orthopaedic rehabilitation, I aim to explore how social determinants and psychological influences impact recovery trajectories and long-term function. I am particularly interested in using large-scale data to identify patterns and disparities in care, and in translating these findings into interventions or policies that improve patient outcomes across diverse populations.
Why did you choose to come to this program ?
I chose the IHP’s PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program for its integration of research training and clinical expertise, enabling me to pursue questions rooted in my clinical practice. The mentorship model offers guidance while fostering independence to explore my ideas. Being in Boston, where my professional network is based, supports collaboration across disciplines. I also value the IHP’s strong commitment to social justice, which is central to my research interests, professional work, and worldview.