Rachel Prusynski, DPT, PhD, NCS
| Title: | Assistant Professor |
|---|---|
| Division: | Physical Therapy |
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Dr. Prusynski is an assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation, Division of Physical Therapy. She is a board certified clinical specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy with clinical experience across the continuum from critical care to community-based rehabilitation in the United States and Haiti. Dr. Prusynski is a health services researcher focused on intersections between health and reimbursement policy, therapy practice, and patient outcomes in post-acute care. She co-directs the Advancing Health Services & Policy in Rehabilitation (ASPIRe) Lab in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and holds multiple leadership roles in the American Physical Therapy Association.
Education and Training
- University of Washington, PhD in Rehabilitation Science, 2022
- University of Puget Sound Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT), 2012
- University of Portland BS Life Science, 2009
- University of Portland BA Spanish, 2009
Board Certifications
- Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Notable Awards
- American Physical Therapy Association Dorothy Briggs Memorial Scientific Inquiry Award 2022
- Foundation for Physical Therapy Research Promotion of Doctoral Studies II Scholarship 2021-2022
- Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Research Award: Post-Professional Student Category 2020
- University of Washington Graduate School Top Scholar Award 2018-2019
- University of Portland Valedictorian 2009
Clinical Interests
- Health and Reimbursement Policy
- Health Equity
- Post-Acute Care
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Parkinson's Disease
Teaching Interests
Dr. Prusynski teaches courses in evidence-based practice and the neurologic rehabilitation tract in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program
Research Interests
Dr. Prusynski's health services research uses large administrative data to examine relationships between payment policy, therapy practice, and patient outcomes. Her recent work has centered on the impact of Medicare policy on patient outcomes in Skilled Nursing Facilities.