NYU Physical Therapist Awarded PhD in Pathokinesiology

Susan Hoover-Garritan has been awarded a PhD in Pathokinesiology from NYU’s doctoral program in Physical Therapy. Her dissertation title was "Muscle Performance in Sedentary Individuals With and Without a History of Chronic Hypoxia." This research documented a significant shift in muscle fiber proportions for individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which has implications for treatment.

Susan has provided over 30 years of outstanding patient care in the Physical Therapy Department at NYU Medical Center. She graduated from the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. In 1986, Dr. Garritan became one of only four cardiopulmonary physical therapy specialists to achieve national certification by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and the first Board certified cardiopulmonary specialist in the tri-state area.

In 1993, Susan was appointed to the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, where she served until 1997. During that time, Board certification became the professional standard endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association to designate advanced clinical expertise in a specialty area of physical therapy.

As the Physical Therapy Department’s Acute Care Coordinator, Susan has provided tremendous leadership and expertise to the staff and has published and taught extensively. She continues to be an inspiration to her colleagues and looks forward to using her medical research skills to support NYU Medical Center’s commitment to evidence based patient care.

We congratulate Susan for her accomplishments and are proud to have her on the leadership team at NYU.

Posted July 9, 2004