Biography

Tamara N. Gravano, PT, DPT, MSPT, EdD, GCS, PNAP, CEEAA is the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Director in the Barnett College of Public Health. She earned a BHS, MSPT, and transitional DPT from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and an EdD in Leadership Studies from Marshall University. Dr. Gravano is one of the first two graduates of the first Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program and earned the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Emerging Leader award, APTA Lucy Blair Service award, and is a Joan Mills award recipient from the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.

Dr. Gravano has extensive experience in professional and post-professional program development and has served her profession on many APTA committees: former Director on the Board of APTA-Geriatrics, former Director of Professional Development for the APTA-Education, a past Chair of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Geriatric Council, a former Board member of the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE), and a former Item Writer for the National Physical Therapy Board Examination of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Dr. Gravano is the former co-director of the APTA-Geriatrics Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA. Currently, Dr. Gravano is an accreditation team member for the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education and a Certified Level 1 Clinical Instructor Trainer for the APTA.

Dr. Gravano has taught geriatrics and integumentary system courses for over 17 years. Her current teaching responsibilities include PHTH 8135: Clinical Management of Cardiopulmonary Conditions, PHTH 8116: Motor Control and Learning, PHTH 8123: Development across the Lifespan, PHTH 8151: Evidence-Based Practice, and PHTH 8121: Clinical Electrophysiology and Biophysical Agents. She practices per diem in outpatient and the North Broad PT Clinic, a pro bono clinic of the College. She has contributed to 5 book chapters, authored 8 peer-reviewed publications, and presented over 40 peer-reviewed presentations nationally and internationally on the topics of leadership development and geriatric rehabilitation. An avid rower, runner, and gardener, Dr. Gravano enjoys spending time outside.