Amy Thiessen, PT, M.Ed., Ph.D., NCS
Clinical Assistant Professor
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Biography
Dr. Amy Thiessen is a physical therapy graduate from the University of ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ Health Science Center in 1997. Dr. Thiessen joined OCU as a full-time faculty in 2018. Her primary teaching focus has been in the areas of gross anatomy and neurology.
Dr. Thiessen received her master’s degree in Adult and Continuing Education from the University of ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ in 2003. She completed her PhD from the University of ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ in Biomedical Education in 2018. She completed her Neurologic Clinical Specialists Certification in 2005 and 2015.
Dr. Thiessen’s PT clinical practice has focused on adults with neurological impairments. Her practice included in-patient rehabilitation, out-patient rehabilitation, and the OUHSC Lokomat clinic. In 2011, she joined OMRF as part of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence. There she specialized in the long-term rehabilitation and function of individuals at all stages of Multiple Sclerosis. While at the MS Center at OMRF, this included treatment for balance, mobility, equipment needs, and development of an interdisciplinary spasticity management program.
While at the MS Center for Excellence at OMRF, Dr. Thiessen was the recipient of and MS Foundation Grant to study the efficacy of PT delivered via telemedicine as well as awards for service and volunteerism.
Education and National Certifications
- APTA Clinical Specialist Certification: 2005, 2015
- RESNA Assistive Technology Practitioner: 2004
- PhD, University of ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ: 2018
- MS, University of ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ: 2003
- BSPT, University of ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ Health Sciences: 1997
Teaching Interests
- Gross Anatomy
- Neuroanatomy
- Neuroscience and rehabilitation for individuals with neurologic dysfunction
- Interdisciplinary education
Current Research/Scholarly Interest
- Stress management and coping skills in students
- Interdisciplinary learning environments
Awards, Recognition, and Service
- 2020 APTA Specialist Question Writer
- 2017 Labe C. Scheinberg Award. Best Work in Neuro Rehabilitation. CMSC.
- 2015 National Multiple Sclerosis Society Volunteer of the Year: Clinician South-Central Region
- 2013-2014 National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Pilot Grant for Telehealth Physical Therapy in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Contact Information
Room 113
Loeffler Building