Rusher, Angela_PT

Angela Rusher

Assistant Professor Assistant Director of Clinical Education PT, DPT, PhD, NCS

Programs and Courses Taught

Doctor of Physical Therapy

FALL
PT 706 Pro Bono Experiences
PT 718 Patient & Client Management: Neuromuscular II
PT 702 Capstone II: Exploration & Planning
PT 704 Capstone IV: Completion

SPRING
PT 713 Patient & Client Management: Neuromuscular I
PT 761 Integrated Clinical Experience I
PT 706 Pro Bono Experiences

SUMMER
PT 703 Capstone III: Implementation

About Me

I am a Samuel Merritt University alumni and have been practicing as a physical therapist in the acute care, acute rehabilitation, and outpatient neuro settings with a focus on patients with neurological and vestibular disorders. I have enjoyed mentoring students in clinical practice from pre-entry level through neurologic residency and bring my passion for working with people with neurologic diagnoses into both my clinical and classroom teaching approach.

While I have taught throughout all three years of our DPT program, my primary role is working with 2nd and 3rd year students in the neuromuscular patient and client management series. I strive to foster an environment of inclusivity, self reflection, and curiosity within the curriculum. Students are encouraged to consider the whole person as they learn to meet individuals with neurologic conditions where they are.

I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my husband and two young girls. I've picked up my flute since the pandemic as a mindfulness practice and am now teaching myself how to play the Native American flute in the key of F. We have a 125 lb Newfoundland named Ginsburg that gives us cuddles and makes a great pillow when needed.

Education

PhD - Educational Leadership (Health Professions Education) - Pacific University - 2023

DPT - Samuel Merritt University - 2007

B.S. Biopsychology & Minor in Exercise Science - UC, Santa Barbara - 2002

Teaching Interests

Patient and Client Management of the patient/client with a neurological diagnosis
Exercise as Medicine for people with Parkinson's Disease

Scholarly Interests

My research lies in exploring neurologic physical therapist transformative leadership practices and PTs bridging the gap between rehabilitation and wellness/fitness for people with neurologic disability.

Publications

  1. Rusher A, Ikeda K, Vestal E. Disorders of the Basal Ganglia.  In: Lazaro, R. Umphred’s Neurological Rehabilitation. 7th Ed. Elsevier, 2019. 
  2. Hardage JB, Rusher A, Widener W. Neuromuscular Physical Therapy and the Older Adult. Billek-Sawhney B, ed. Focus: Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Practice in Geriatrics 2020: Issue 2. Madison, WI: Section on Geriatrics; 2021.
  3. Poster Presentations:
  4. Rusher AB. Leadership practices of neurologic physical therapists innovating health promotion & wellness practice models for people with neurologic disability. Interprofessional Leadership Conference poster– Pacific University, Oregon, 2023
  5. Rusher AB. Bridging the Gap by Smudging the Lines: Physical Therapy Leadership Practices & Transformational Exercise Innovation for People with Neurological Disability. Interprofessional Leadership Conference poster – Pacific University, Oregon, 2022
  6. Rusher AB. Shifting mental models throughout the continuum of care for people with neurological disability. Interprofessional Leadership Conference poster – Pacific University, Oregon. 2021
  7. Hardage JB, Rusher AB, Widener GL. The eight-fold path to wellness for people with parkinson’s disease: a framework for collaborative practice among yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and physical therapists. CPTA Annual conference poster 2020

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

Board Certified Neurological Clinical Specialist (NCS)
APTA, Neurologic Section
APTA, Education Section
APTA Certified Advanced Clinical Instructor
PWR! Professionals - PWR! (Parkinson's Wellness Recovery)
Balanced Based Torso Weighting (BBTW)
NCCEC (Northern California Clinical Educators Consortium)

Community Service

Parkinson's Network of Mt. Diablo & PDActive 
Moraga Ranch Swim Club - committee member

Honors & Awards

  • Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award – Pacific University, Oregon – 2022
  • Director’s Scholarship – Pacific University, Oregon – 2022
  • Director’s Scholarship – Pacific University, Oregon - 2021