Bret Kennedy

Programs and Courses Taught

Doctor of Physical Therapy

PT 713: Patient Client Management III: Neuromuscular Rehabilitation
PT 719: Physical Agents and Electrotherapy
PT 737: Exercise Prescription for Neurologic Clients

About Me

I am a part-time adjunct instructor at SMU in the department of Physical Therapy. My primary teaching roles are in the Neurologic curriculum although I teach in other areas as well.  I am a board-certified Neurorlogic Clinical Specialist.

I also work as a physical therapist at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in outpatient rehabilitation at the Herrick campus in Berkeley. My caseload is varied among: neurologic, musculoskeletal, neuromusculoskeletal, oncology, vestibular, neurovestibular, and lymphedema diagnoses.  

I also volunteer with the local high school providing sports medicine assistance during the varsity football games.

Education

Board Certification in Neurologic Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy: AT Still University

Masters of Physical Therapy: Chapman University

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: California State University of Hayward

Teaching Interests

Vestibular rehabilitation, concussion, stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, clinical reasoning, and clinical teaching to assist bridging the gap between the classroom and clinic.

Publications

1.  Hardage JB, Rusher A, Widener G, Ettinger S, Kennedy B, Gorman S. The aging neuromuscular system. Billek-Sawhney B, ed. Focus: Physical Therapist Practice in Geriatrics. Madison, WI: APTA Geriatrics; in press.

2. Hickman B, Lema T, Kennedy B, Ryujin, K. Clients with Spinal Cord Injury. In: Lazaro, RT, Umphred, DA. Neurorehabilitation for the Physical Therapist Assistant. 3rd ed. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK Incorporated; 2021:253-290.

3.  Enhancements to Comprehensive Practical Examinations to Optimize Critical Self-Reflection and Independent Clinical Practice.   SL Gorman, PT, DPTSc, GCS, FNAP; BR Kennedy, PT, DPT; RT Lazaro, PT, PhD, DPT, GCS.  Teaching with Technology Grant, 2016.

4.  Kennedy B, Ryujin K, Beekman C. Clients with Spinal Cord Injury. In: Umphred DA, Lazaro, RT. Neurorehabilitation for the Physical Therapist Assistant.  2nd ed. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK Incorporated; 2014:251-296.

5.   Lazaro RT, Gorman SL, Rivera M, Kennedy B, Fairchild J.  Samuel Merritt University. Development and validation of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy. Published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 2010.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association, APTA Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy

Community Service

Benicia High School Sports Medicine

Honors & Awards

• Improving Teaching with Technology Grant, 2016.   Enhancements to Comprehensive Practical Examinations to Optimize Critical Self-Reflection and Independent Clinical Practice
• Improving Teaching with Technology Grant, 2013. Using Videotaped Assessments Uploaded to Canvas to Optimize Learning Opportunities During Practical Examinations