Jean Fitzpatrick Timmerberg, PT, PHD, MHS, OCS

  • Associate Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine (Physical Therapy) at CUMC
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Overview

Dr. Jean Fitzpatrick is the Director of the Programs in Physical Therapy, Vice Chair of the Department of Rehabilitative & Regenerative Medicine, and Assistant Dean in the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York. Her prominent role in the educational research community is evident in numerous service projects and collaborations resulting in more than 20 invited and/or peer-selected presentations at regional, national or international levels. She served as the Co-Chair of the National Outcome Strategy Committee for the Educational Leadership Partnership, Chair of the Entrustable Professional Activity Working Panel, the Co-Editor and Chief of the Journal of Clinical Education in Physical Therapy and is currently the Co-Director of a competency-based educational program for licensed physical therapists working with patients with spinal muscular atrophy (STEP-IN). Her research has focused on student readiness and competency-based education frameworks for physical therapist education. The sum of her scholarly work has had a substantive impact in the field of physical therapist education. She is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in health education research and competency-based education.

Academic Appointments

  • Associate Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine (Physical Therapy) at CUMC

Administrative Titles

  • Director, Programs in Physical Therapy at Columbia University Irving Medical Center
  • Assistant Dean, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons
  • Vice Chair, Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine

Credentials & Experience

Education & Training

  • BS, Psychology/Biology, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY
  • PhD, Research & Education in Health Science, Touro University International
  • MHS, Orthopedic Manual Therapy/Sports Medicine, University of Indianapolis
  • BS, Physical Therapy, Stony Brook University Medical Center
  • Fellowship: 2015 American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education

Honors & Awards

  • 2023 American Academy of Education Stanford Award
  • 2022 ACAPT Education Research Committee and Scholarship of Education Special Interest Group of the APTA Academy of Education
  • Orthopedic Certified Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists

Research


Research Interests

  • Competency-Based Education
  • Educational Research-Outcomes
  • Educational Research-Student Readiness
  • Educational Research Assessment
  • Injury Prevention in Athletes

Grants

2023 Title: Foundations for SMA Physical Therapists; a STEP-IN Clinical Workshop
Sponsor: Biogen Medical Education Grant
Role: Co-Principal Investigator

2023 Title: Development of an international Competency-based Educational Program for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Physical Therapists (STEP-IN).
Sponsor: Cure SMA Research Grant
Role: Co-Principal Investigator

2022 Title: Foundations for SMA Physical Therapists; a STEP-IN Clinical Workshop
Sponsor: MDA Conference Grant
Role: Co-Investigator

2022 Title: Foundations for SMA Physical Therapists; a STEP-IN Clinical Workshop
Sponsor: Novartis Independent Medical Education Grant
Role: Co-Investigator

2022 Title: Foundations for SMA Physical Therapists; a STEP-IN Clinical Workshop
Sponsor: Scholar Rock Medical Education Grant
Role: Co-Investigator

2022 Title: Foundations for SMA Physical Therapists; a STEP-IN Clinical Workshop
Sponsor: Genentech Independent Medical Education Grant
Role: Co-Investigator

2022 Title: Development of a Competency-Based Educational Program for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Physical Therapists (STEP-IN)
Sponsor: Cure SMA Industry Collaborative Research Grant
Role: Co-Investigator

2022 Title: Taking Clinical Evaluations of SMA to the Next Level to Meet Real- Life Challenges (Project 3).
Sponsor: Cure SMA, Pediatric Neuromuscular Research Network, Research Grant
Role: Co-Investigator

2022 Title: Educational Program for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Physical Therapists (STEP-IN).
Sponsor: Genentech Medical Education Grant
Role: Co-Investigator

2018 Title: Developing CUIMC Clinical Faculty to Become Published Clinical Scholars in the Pipeline of Future Physical Therapy Faculty with a New Journal Author Advising Project.
Sponsor: Columbia University- Virginia Apgar Academy of Medical Educators Grant
Role: Co-investigator

2013 Title: A Multimedia Application for Developing Clinical Reasoning Skills in Physical Therapy Students: A Blended Classroom Approach.
Sponsor: Columbia University - Office of the Provost: Hybrid Learning Course Redesign and Delivery
Role: Co-Investigator

2011 Title: The use of biofeedback to augment the acquisition of skills in performing joint mobilization techniques among Physical Therapy students.
Sponsor: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Health Related Professions Education Grant
Role: Co-Investigator

Selected Publications

 

  1. Timmerberg, JF, Pelletier D, Harding E, Recker-Hughes C, Wetherbee-McDevitt E, Stolfi A. Development of a tool to determine excellence in the provision of physical therapy clinical education: A modified Delphi study. Phys Ther. 2023.
  2. Timmerberg, JF, Chesbro SB, Jensen GM, Dole RL, Jette DU. Competency-based Education and Practice in Physical: It's Time to Act! Phys Ther. 2022; 102:1-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35225343/
  3. Jensen G, Jette DU, Timmerberg JF, Chesbro SB, Dole R, Kapasi Z, Lotshaw A. Competency-Based Education in Physical Therapy: Developing a Framework for Education Research. JOPTE 2022;36(4):334-340.
  4. Timmerberg JF, Krosschell K, Dunway SD, Uher D, Yun C, Montes J. Essential competencies for Physical therapists managing individuals with spinal muscular atrophy: A Delphi Study. PLOS ONE https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0249279
  5. Luna, A., Casertano, L., Timmerberg JF. et al. Artificial intelligence application versus physical therapist for squat evaluation: a randomized controlled trail. Sci Rep 11, 18109 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97343-y
  6. Gross K, Cutler E, Hayek T, Maye T, Sinodinos J, Said R, Timmerberg JF. Comparison of Hip Range of Motion and Strength in Injured Versus Non-Injured Adolescent Baseball Pitchers. Science & Sport (Manuscript submitted 5-1-2021)
  7. Timmerberg JF, Jensen GM (2020, Apr 17 - 21) Competency-Based Education in Physical Therapy, Exploring Stakeholder Views [Symposium]. AERA Annual Meeting San Francisco, CA http://tinyurl.com/tvegbop
  8. O'Sullivan PS, Chesbro SB, Chen HC, Timmerberg JF, Jensen GM, Stukstette MJPM, ten Cate O. (2020, April). Competency-based education in the health professions: Using applied research to improve learner and societal outcomes [Conference symposium]. American Education Research Association Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.
  9. Timmerberg JF*, Dole RL, Goffar SL, Mathur D, Miller A, Murray L, Pelletier D, Silberman N, Simpson MS, Stolfi A, Thompson A, Utzman R. Physical Therapist Student Readiness for Entrance into the First Full-time Clinical Experience: A Delphi Study. Phys Ther. 2019;99(2):131-146.
  10. Timmerberg JF*, Dungey J, Stolfi AM, Dougherty M. Defining the Role of the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education: Identifying Responsibilities, Supports, and Challenges. J Phys Ther Educ. 2018;32 (1):38-45.
  11. Recker-Hughes C, Wetherbee E, Buccieri KM, Timmerberg JF, Stolfi A. Essential characteristics of quality clinical education experiences: Standards to facilitate student learning. J Phys Ther Educ, 2014;28 (Supp 1b):48-55.
  12. Timmerberg JF, Dole RL, Goffar SL, Mathur D, Miller A, Murray L, Pelletier D, Silberman N, Simpson MS, Stolfi A, Thompson A, Utzman R. Physical Therapist Student Readiness for Entrance into the First Full-time Clinical Experience: A Delphi Study. Phys Ther. 2019;99(2):131-146. 2014
  13. Timmerberg JF, Dungey J, Stolfi AM, Dougherty M. Defining the Role of the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education: Identifying Responsibilities, Supports, and Challenges. J Phys Ther Educ. 2018;32(1):38-45.
  14. Recker-Hughes C, Wetherbee E, Buccieri KM, Timmerberg JF, Stolfi A.Essential characteristics of quality clinical education experiences: Standards to facilitate student learning.J Phys Ther Educ, 2014;28 (Supp 1b):48-55.