Kathryn Sawyer, PT, PhD

Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor, PT Programs

Campus

Austin, TX

College

College of Rehabilitative Sciences

Program

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Specialties

Adult Rehabilitation
Orthopedics

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University
Master of Science in Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University
Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies, The University of Texas

Research Interests

Investigating deep trunk muscle activity in patients with lumbar spine disorders

Dr. Kathryn Sawyer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Studies from the University of Texas in 2004. She subsequently earned a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in 2006. In the fall of 2019, she completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy at Texas Woman’s University, where her research centered on development and evaluation of postoperative rehabilitation strategies following lumbar spinal fusion surgery.

Dr. Sawyer practiced full-time in both outpatient and inpatient orthopedic settings for 13 years at Texas Orthopedic Hospital in Houston, Texas, and mentored students as a certified Clinical Instructor (CI) for 12 years. She has earned board certification as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) as well as certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Cert. MDT) and specialization in Ergonomics Assessment (CEAS). Her continuing research interests include investigating deep trunk muscle activity in patients with lumbar spine disorders and exploring the role of telemedicine in the spine patient population.