Doctor of Physical Therapy, College of St. Scholastica
Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, McKenzie Institute International
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Queen’s University
Graduate Certificate, Medical Human Anatomy, University of Florida
Research Interests
Running Injuries
Self-Care, Self-Efficacy and Self-Perception
Clinical Anatomy
BACKGROUND
Allan Besselink, PT, DPT, Dip. MDT, is a physical therapist and assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin.
Dr. Besselink is a graduate of Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. He has been in Austin, Texas, since 1990. During that time, he has developed a unique perspective on sport- and fitness-related injuries and primary prevention for both the recreational and elite athlete. He has coached a wide variety of athletes in events ranging from the 800 meters to 100-mile ultraruns and Ironman triathlons. He is the author of RunSmart: A Comprehensive Approach to Injury-Free Running.
Dr. Besselink is one of 400 practitioners internationally that have attained the Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy from the McKenzie Institute International in New Zealand, the highest level of training and achievement in the McKenzie Method. His clinical practice is one of the few in the world that specifically focuses on the application of MDT to a sports population.
Dr. Besselink has also had an active role as a consumer advocate. He has been actively involved in promoting legislation regarding Consumer Direct Access to Physical Therapy in the state of Texas, speaking to legislators and providing testimony in this role.
He is the lead lab instructor for both Gross Anatomy I and II. He is teaching Evidence-Informed Practice I and the Administration and Management course.
