Welcome, Dr. Cara Kanner
The Programs in Physical Therapy are excited to welcome Dr. Cara Kanner to the faculty. "I am so excited to be joining the faculty in the Programs in Physical Therapy," she shares. What drew her most to Columbia was the dynamic community of faculty, students, patients, and healthcare providers who collaborate for the greater good. She was also inspired by the program's strong work ethic and deep commitment to research.
Dr. Kanner's academic journey began at the University of Miami, where she completed her undergraduate studies. She went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from SUNY Downstate Medical Center, and is now pursuing her EdD at Teachers College, with plans to defend her dissertation at the end of this year. Pediatrics has long been her passion, where she became a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist in 2020 and has treated a wide array of conditions, from developmental delays to genetic neurodevelopmental disorders and neuromuscular diseases. Her work has taught her the importance of treating patients across the lifespan, recognizing that children with these conditions grow into adults with ongoing needs.
Her research is currently centered on bone health in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy. This September, she will present a poster at the Neuromuscular Study Group Conference on the association between muscle volume, function, and strength in ambulatory individuals with spinal muscular atrophy. At Columbia, she looks forward to continuing this line of inquiry with research practicum students, expanding opportunities for collaborative exploration.
While clinical practice and research are central to her work, Dr. Kanner is equally excited about becoming part of the Columbia PT teaching community. "I'm looking forward to getting to know and work with both students and faculty. Come by and say hi!" she says. To students, her advice is simple but meaningful, "You can do this! Take a movement break when you need to. Plan your schedule, stay organized, and enjoy this time, it's a really unique experience."
Beyond her professional life, Dr. Kanner finds joy in family and movement. A lifelong New Yorker, she and her family are passionate sports fans, "Let's go Yankees, Knicks, and Giants!", and she enjoys tennis, walking, and barre classes. She and her husband, who met at overnight summer camp (just like her sister and brother-in-law did!), are now parents to 10-month-old Chase. "I love watching him explore the world," she says. These days, you can often find her exploring NYC in search of the best baby activities, enjoying the beach, or planning her next travel adventure.