Dawn Brown, PT, DPT, EdD, is currently the Assistant Chair of Curricular Affairs and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences at Northwestern University. She is also a float physical therapist for Team Rehabilitation and the physical therapy representative for the Illinois State Board of Health.
Brown has 25 years of clinical and educational experience. She completed a Bachelor of Psychology degree and Master of Physical Therapy degree at Northwestern University, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Alabama State University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Administration at Northern Illinois University. She earned ABPTS board certification in orthopedic physical therapy and uses this content expertise in her pedagogy, andragogy, and clinical practice.
She is a national speaker and researcher on leadership, motivation, and belonging in physical therapy education and clinical practice, all through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Brown is dedicated to being an agent of positive transformation. She is an active member and leader within the American Physical Therapy Association, Illinois Physical Therapy Association, American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, American Academy of Physical Therapy, and National Association of Black Physical Therapists.
I am deeply passionate about physical therapy because I have the privilege of educating and treating a diverse range of learners and patients, each with their own unique lived experiences and perspectives that inspire and fulfill me.
Why did you pursue the field of physical therapy?
I chose to become a physical therapist (PT) to fulfill a childhood dream of being a medical professional to help people regain their mobility, alleviate pain, and improve their quality of life. As a pre-med undergraduate student at Northwestern University, I served as a student athletic trainer (AT) and was encouraged to explore a career as a physical therapist instead, given the wider range of opportunities available to PTs.
What makes you so passionate about your field?
I am deeply passionate about physical therapy because I have the privilege of educating and treating a diverse range of learners and patients, each with their own unique lived experiences and perspectives that inspire and fulfill me. As a Black physical therapist, I understand the importance of representation; it enables those I educate and treat to see themselves in me and fosters a sense of belonging in both educational and clinical environments.
Why is it important to you to speak on leadership, motivation, and belonging in physical therapy education and clinical practice?
Leadership is a catalyst for change, and inclusive, person-centered leadership drives positive transformation to challenge the status quo while promoting collaboration, innovation, and a sense of belonging. Leaders motivate those whom they lead to embrace their unique strengths, contribute their ideas, and take ownership of their roles, ultimately cultivating a culture of empowerment that inspires growth and continuous improvement. As a result, I strive to make valuable contributions to the field of leadership through my roles, scholarship, and research by exploring innovative strategies that promote inclusive practices, enhance team dynamics, and drive transformative change within educational and clinical settings.
You have presented for both PhysicalTherapy.com and Simucase. Why do you feel that online education is important to professionals and students in your field?
It has been an honor to present for both PhysicalTherapy.com and Simucase! I believe that online education offers flexible access to learning resources, accommodates diverse learning styles, and allows individuals to balance their educational pursuits with personal and professional commitments. Platforms such as PhysicalTherapy.com and Simucase are designed to provide current evidence-based content, creating learning environments where clinicians, educators, and learners (students) can effectively acquire and apply cognitive, psychomotor, and affective knowledge.
I strongly encourage clinicians, educators, and learners to explore the resources available on PhysicalTherapy.com and Simucase. The diverse, high-quality content offered by these platforms can serve as both a stand-alone resource and a valuable supplement to the knowledge and skills gained through in-person learning experiences.
I strongly encourage clinicians, educators, and learners to explore the resources available on PhysicalTherapy.com and Simucase. The diverse, high-quality content offered by these platforms can serve as both a stand-alone resource and a valuable supplement to the knowledge and skills gained through in-person learning experiences.