Bernadette Williams York, PT, DSc, GCS

Title: Associate Professor
Division: Physical Therapy

Dr. Williams-York’s research, teaching and service interests have focuses around the area of health disparities/inequities and health promotion in underserved older adult populations.  She has explored disparities related to health care access and utilization by underrepresented minorities, as well as factors that play a role in disparate health outcomes.  In addition, as a licensed physical therapist for over 30 years, she has worked in multiple healthcare settings with diverse patient populations, including geriatric home care, acute hospital care, assisted living and long term care facilities.  Dr. Williams-York’s clinical expertise with primarily a geriatric population has earned her recognition as a Certified Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association.  Her research interests have been primarily focused on workforce diversity in physical therapy and health promotion in older adults. 

Education and Training

  • BS, Tulane University 
  • MS, University of Alabama at Birmingham 
  • DSc, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Teaching Interests

  • Geriatrics
  • Health Disparities
  • Acute Care

Clinical Interests

  • Geriatrics
  • Acute Care

Research Interests

  • Health Promotion in Older African Americans
  • Reducing Fall Risk in Older Adults
  • Workforce diversity in the health professions

Recent Publications

Patel R, VanHoose L, Williams-York B, Matthews N. Disparities in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Outcomes Based on Race: A Scoping Review. Manuscript accepted for publication in the Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal (PTJ). May/June 2024

Williams-York B, Guenther GA, Frogner BK, Patterson DG, Mohammed SA, Dahal A. Stress and Burnout Among Underrepresented and First-Generation College Students in Graduate Health Professional Programs. Manuscript accepted for publication in the Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal. May/June 2024

Moerchen V, Williams-York B, Wise D, Dominguez J, Kapasi Z, Ross L, Brooks S,. Underrepresented Minority Student Recruitment and Retention in DPT Programs: A Survey of Students, Journal of Physical Therapy Education. 2018, 32(3): 209-217. (Stanford Award Recipient)

Wise D, Dominguez J, Kapasi Z, Williams-York B, Moerchen V, Brooks S, Ross L. Defining Underrepresented Minorities and Promoting Holistic Review Admission Strategies in Physical Therapist Education, Journal of Physical Therapy Education. 2017, 31(4): 8-13.

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