Colleen M. Brough, PT, DPT, MS, OCS
- Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine (Physical Therapy) at CUMC

Overview
Dr. Colleen M. Brough is the Founding Director of Columbia RunLab, a comprehensive running analysis experience for olympic, elite, competitive, and novice runners. As an Assistant Professor in the Program in Physical Therapy at Columbia University, Dr. Brough's primary areas of teaching and research are in orthopedics, sports medicine, and oncology.
Dr. Brough is a board certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy since 2009, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties with over 20 years of patient-care and teaching experience.
An accomplished speaker, Dr. Brough has lectured internationally on Running Medicine, Orthopedics, Spine and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation at the Olympic Training Center in Qing Dao, China, and frequently presents at national conferences and post-professional continuing medical education courses in Sports Medicine.
Valuing service, Dr. Brough hosts CancerFIT, a pro bono, evidence based exercise program for cancer patients and survivors. She has done volunteer work in China, and has partnered with national programs like the Wounded Warrior Project, Girls on The Run, and the NYRR Young Runners group. As an avid runner, Dr. Brough is an active member of the LGBT running team, Front Runners New York and of New York Road Runners.
Academic Appointments
- Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine (Physical Therapy) at CUMC
Administrative Titles
- Founding Director, Columbia RunLab, Programs in Physical Therapy
Credentials & Experience
Education & Training
- MS, Physical Therapy, Rutgers State University, Newark
- DPT, Physical Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions
- BS, Exercise Physiology, Boston University
Honors & Awards
Olympic Training Center Invited Speaker, International Sports Medicine Symposium, Qing Dao, China
Director’s Award, Running Performance Program, NYU Langone Medical Center
Director’s Award, RunSmart Running Program, NYU Langone Medical Center
Service Excellence Falcon Award, New York-Presbyterian Hospital
Olympic Training Center Invited Speaker, International Sports Medicine Symposium, Qing Dao China
Master Clinician Award, Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, New York University
Diplomate, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
Research
Research Interests
- Clinical Education and Integrated Clinical Experiences
- Oncology
- Running Medicine
Grants
Participation: Principal Investigator
Iric Headly PhD Diversity & Inclusion Grant Indiana Institute of Technology
Nature of Project: A Phenomenological Study Exploring the Lived Experiences of Health Professions Education Leaders in Implementing Anti-racist Pedagogy to Address Global Healthcare Disparities
Date and Source: 07/29/2024-12/31/2024
Selected Publications
Brough C., Sliwinski M. (2025). A Competency-Based Curriculum Developed to Entrust Students in Essential Physical Therapy Activities with Running Athletes. Platform presentation, APTA Combined Sections Meeting - Education.
Brough C., Sliwinski M. (2025). Demystifying Competency Based Education: Applying CBE principles to an existing running elective. Poster presentation, CUIMC
Johnson, M., Fu, W., Brough, C., & Yoon, L. (2022). Integrating Oncology Education Into an Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program using a Systematic and Comprehensive Approach. Rehabilitation Oncology. 40(1), 38-46. https://journals.1ww.com/rehabonc/Fulltext/2022/0100/Integrating_Oncology_Education_Into_an_Entry_Level.9.aspx
Yoon, L., Brough, C., Fu, W., & Johnson, M. (2022). Interprofessional Collaborative Practice and Education in Oncology: Practical Applications and Experiences, From Physical Therapy Classroom to Clinic. Rehabilitation Oncology, 40(1), 24-31. https://journals.1ww.com/rehabonc/Fulltext/2022/0100/Interprofessional_Collaborative_Practice_and.7.aspx