Jennifer Cunningham, PT, DPT, GCS

Jennifer Cunningham, PT, DPT, GCS, is an Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education. A practicing physical therapist since 2009, she is a board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist with extensive experience in clinical education and student mentorship. Prior to her current role, she served as a Site Coordinator of Clinical Education (SCCE) for seven years, fostering strong partnerships between academic and clinical environments and supporting the development of future physical therapists.

Dr. Cunningham's scholarly interests center on acute care, clinical education, clinical teaching, and debriefing. She is currently pursuing an EdD, with research focused on advancing educational practices and learning experiences in acute care settings. She has presented nationally on topics related to clinical education, clinical instruction, and effective debriefing strategies.

With a background in simulation-based education, Dr. Cunningham is particularly interested in leveraging simulation to enhance clinical reasoning, communication, and student preparedness for practice. She looks forward to integrating innovative simulation experiences into the Columbia curriculum.

Outside of her professional roles, Dr. Cunningham lives in New York City with her husband and three daughters. They love skiing, going to the beach, and getting out for family adventures.