Welcome, Rachel Scott

The Programs in Physical Therapy are excited to welcome Rachel Scott, who joined the team this July as the new Health Professions Education Learning Specialist. “I’m thrilled to be here and to support you on your journey to becoming outstanding physical therapists,” she says.

In her role, Rachel focuses on how graduate students learn and grow—especially during the early stages of their professional education. Since joining Columbia, she has been exploring the PT curriculum and the values of the American Physical Therapy Association, and she’s continually impressed by the program’s depth and intentional design. “What stands out most to me is how students are prepared to think and act like independent professionals from day one,” Rachel notes. She admires how the DPT program balances technical expertise with communication, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership.

Before coming to Columbia, Rachel worked as a learning specialist and ESL teacher at a U.S.–serving medical school in the Caribbean. “It’s been fascinating to compare the educational experiences of medical and health professions students,” she explains. “I’m excited to bring those insights into our work together.”

Rachel’s academic background reflects a deep commitment to understanding how people learn. She holds a Master’s in Digital Technology and Communication in Education from the University of Manchester (UK) and a Master’s-level qualification in teaching English to adults. She is currently completing her PhD in Higher Education, Research, Evaluation, and Enhancement at Lancaster University, where her research explores how feedback, self-assessment, and reflection foster transformative learning in the first year of graduate education. Her goal is to bridge educational theory and clinical practice to create learning environments where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered.

Among her academic interests are:

• Professional identity formation in PT and OT education
• Feedback literacy and self-assessment as lifelong learning tools
• Curriculum design that fosters community, collaboration, and a growth mindset

Rachel is excited to contribute to Columbia’s learning culture—one that values reflection, collaboration, and continuous improvement. “I look forward to working with students and faculty to support their development as confident, compassionate professionals with a strong sense of purpose and belonging.”

Outside of work, Rachel brings a global perspective and plenty of personality. Originally from England, she hasn’t lived in the UK for more than 20 years. After backpacking through Asia in her twenties, she spent much of her career teaching and leading educational workshops in ten countries across four continents. A fan of the arts and of life’s creative spark, Rachel says she’s delighted to be in New York City. “Being surrounded by such a vibrant cultural scene is a real joy.”

And one last fun fact—she’s a lifelong admirer of The Incredibles’ Edna Mode. “If you’re ever doubting yourself,” she jokes, “don’t be surprised if I quote her!” Her advice for PT students: “While study strategies and learning techniques are powerful, never underestimate the power of sleep, movement, nutrition, and social connection. Experiment, reflect, and embrace the messy, rewarding process of learning—it’s not always linear, but it’s truly transformative.”