Lesley E. Smith, PT, DPT, MS, GCS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the MGH Institute of Health Professions.

Following Business School, Dr. Smith decided on a career change and completed a Masters in Physical Therapy at Boston University. She completed her transitional doctorate in Physical Therapy at the MGH Institute.

Dr. Smith is a Board Certified Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy and has over 25 years of clinical experience. She has worked in a variety of settings, including a private outpatient clinic and homecare. Her first love is acute rehab, however, and she continues to practice at Spaulding Cape Cod Rehab Hospital, treating neurologic and medically complex patients. Dr Smith’s particular passion is working with patients recovering from a stroke, with a focus on locomotor training, which she finds immensely gratifying.

Dr. Smith has been at the IHP since 2011, first as a Lab Instructor and currently as an Instructor. She also serves as a Clinical Instructor at the Ionta PT Center for Clinical Education and Health Promotion. In addition to teaching and passing along her enthusiasm for Physical Therapy, Dr. Smith enjoys introducing students to the scholarship process. She has mentored several students on identifying case study research opportunities to present as posters at both the regional and national level.

  • BA, Business Studies, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, England 
  • MS, Physical Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA 
  • DPT, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown, MA

Dr. Smith has published papers - titles are highlighted below. You can view a complete listing of Dr. Smith's publications in her CV. 

Teaching Psychomotor Skills in a Virtual Environment: An Educational Case Study. 

 

In addition, Dr. Smith regularly presents at conferences and industry events. Please see her CV for a complete list of presentations.

Interprofessional Wellness Groups: A Model for Success at the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education (NEXUS) Summit. 

Evidence-informed Practice, in the Absence of Clear Clinical Practice Guidelines, Substantially Reduced Morbidity in a Survivor of Stroke with Limited Resources; How a Little Physical Therapy Goes a Long Way at the APTA New England Regional Conference.

Myths, Misconceptions and More Fake News About Locomotor Training at the APTA Annual Regional Conference.

Conservative Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for a Client with Chronic Ataxia: a Case Report at Combined Sections Meeting.

Making Integrated Clinical Education Work – It’s all About Consistency, Connections and Collaboration at Education Leadership Conference. 

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