PhD '22 Alumni
After earning his Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Dr. Wechsler achieved board certification as a Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy and eventually found his niche in neuro-oncologic rehabilitation at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Having developed a profound appreciation for an interprofessional approach to clinical care and hoping to broaden his impact through research and teaching, Dr. Wechsler sought and successfully earned his PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at MGH IHP at the CaRe lab. Dr. Wechsler's dissertation and subsequent postdoctoral fellowship at MGH IHP focused on investigating cancer-related fatigue, postural control, and exercise behaviors among survivors of breast cancer. His research is focused on developing and testing behavioral rehabilitation interventions to enhance exercise behaviors among survivors of cancer. Dr. Wechsler always knew he wanted to teach in a DPT program where he could share his passion for learning and help cultivate the next generation of PT clinicians. Teaching at Simmons University allows him to do just that, drawing on his clinical and research experiences to inspire, empower, and partner with students in their learning to prepare them to join the profession he has found so rewarding.
Steve now works as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Simmons University.
Education
- BS in Clinical Health Sciences, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY
- DPT, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY
Publications
Wechsler, S., Fitzgerald Jones, K., Zulewski, D., Wood, L. (2022) Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a scoping review of randomized control trials. Published Online: 2/4/2022. Journal of Palliative Medicine. http://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2021.0512 (*Author contributed equally as co-first author) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35128938/)
Wechsler, S., Kneiss, J., Adams, B., Wood Magee, L. (2022) Persistent cancer-related fatigue after breast cancer treatment predicts postural sway and post-exertional changes in sit-to-stand strategy. In Press. Rehabil Oncol.
Wood Magee, L., Kneiss, J., Wechsler, S., Fox, A., Peppercorn, J., Pirl, W. (2022) Increased fatigability in women with persistent cancer-related fatigue after breast cancer treatment: a pilot study. In Review. Rehabil Oncol. doi: 10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000305 (https://journals.lww.com/rehabonc/Fulltext/9900/Increased_Fatigability_in_Women_With_Persistent.3.aspx)
Wechsler, S., Wood, L. (2021). The Effect of Chemotherapy on Balance, Gait, and Falls Among Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review. Rehabil Oncol. 39(1):6-22. doi: 10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000238 (https://journals.lww.com/rehabonc/Fulltext/2021/01000/The_Effect_of_Chemotherapy_on_Balance,_Gait,_and.4.aspx)
Coverage
Cancer-Related Fatigue Can Contribute to Balance Problems In Patients Who Have Received Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer, Study Finds
"For many patients who have received chemotherapy for breast cancer, cancer-related fatigue is a persistent side effect – and one that contributes to ongoing balance problems," suggests Dr. Wechsler's study, published in Rehabilitation Oncology. These findings were recently highlighted by The American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Post.