Archana Vatwani, PT, DPT, EdD, MBA

Dr. Archana Vatwani is the Program Director and Professor of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Dallas, TX.

Dr. Vatwani holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education and Leadership in Healthcare. She previously served as the Graduate Program Director (GPD) for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and as a Clinical Associate Professor at Old Dominion University (ODU). Prior to ODU, Dr. Vatwani was an Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). She also served as the founding co-chair of the Florida Physical Therapy Association Acute Care Special Interest Group.

With over a decade of clinical experience as an acute care physical therapist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, Dr. Vatwani specializes in cardiovascular and pulmonary care for high-acuity patients. Her research interests focus on cultural competence, interprofessional education, simulation-based learning, and acute care physical therapy practice and management.

Dr. Vatwani holds multiple certifications, including Certified Lymphedema and Wound Care Therapist (CLWT), Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Diversity Professional (CDP), and Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA). She is a recognized keynote speaker at local and international rehabilitation conferences and the recipient of the 2022 Healthcare Diversity Leader Award from the National Diversity Council and the 2022 American Physical Therapy Association Minority Faculty Development Award.

Dr. Vatwani served on the APTA 2024 National Workforce Forecast Technical Assistance Group. She has been elected to serve as the APTA Acute Care Education Committee Chair and on the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation Global Health SIG Nominating Committee.