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Leah Thomas, PT, DPT, CWS

Leah Thomas, PT, DPT, CWS

Assistant Professor

College of Health Sciences

lthomas@westernu.edu

Website: https://research.westernu.edu/thomas-lab

  • Education

    University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

    Doctor of Physical Therapy, July 2013

    Grade Point Average: 4.01

    University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

    B.S. in Exercise Science, Minor in Nutrition

    Graduation Date: May 2010

    Summa Cum Laude, Grade Point Average: 4.11

    Salutatorian of Los Lunas High School, Class of 2005

  • Certification

    Certified Wound Specialist

    American Board of Wound Management

    Since December 11, 2017

    Credentialed Clinical Instructor

    APTA

    Since October 25, 2015

    BLS Provider

    American Heart Association

    Renewal by April 30, 2025

  • Professional Experience

    Assistant Professor

    Western University of Health Sciences, Physical Therapy Program

    Lebanon, OR

    12/2023 – Present

    Adjunct Faculty

    Western University of Health Sciences, Physical Therapy Program

    Lebanon, OR

    8/2023 - 12/2023

    Adjunct Faculty

    Pacific University, Physical Therapy Program

    Hillsboro, OR

    10/2022 - Present

    Lead Physical Therapist

    Adventist Health

    Portland, OR

    6/2019 - 12/2023 (Full-time PT up to 2022, and Lead in 2023)

    Physical Therapist, PRN

    Kaiser Permanente Westside and Sunnyside Hospitals

    Hillsboro, OR

    6/2017 - Present

    Physical Therapist, PRN

    Peacehealth St. John Medical Center

    Longview, WA

    5/2018 - 10/2019

    Physical Therapist, PRN

    HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital

    Albuquerque, NM

    1/2014 - 7/2018

    Physical Therapist

    University of New Mexico Hospital

    Albuquerque, NM

    8/2013 - 5/2017

    Rehabilitation Technician

    HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital

    Albuquerque, NM

    2/2009 - 7/2012

  • Academic Interests

    Continuing Education Attended

    • 2024 Academy Fall Conference
      APTA Academy of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Physical Therapy
      September 20-22, 2024
    • Faculty Development Workshop for New PT/PTA Faculty
      Pagliarulo & Associates
      July 24-26, 2024
    • Physical Therapist Management of Cardiopulmonary Conditions in the Geriatric Client
      Medbridge
      July 16, 2024
    • Restrictive Lung Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management
      Medbridge
      July 15, 2024
    • Cardiac Disease, Surgical Intervention, and Dysphagia Correlations
      Medbridge
      July 15, 2024
    • Academic Boot Camp
      Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Western University of Health Sciences
      July 8-12, 2024
    • Diet and Exercise Considerations for Cardiopulmonary Disease Management
      Medbridge
      July 2, 2024
    • Obstructive Lung Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management
      Medbridge
      July 2, 2024
    • Symposium on Advanced Wound Care Fall 2023
      SAWC
      November 2-5, 2023
    • Changing the Conversation about Pain
      OPMC Pain Management Module
      March 6, 2023
    • WoundCon Summer 2022
      HMP Education
      July 15, 2022
    • Changing the Conversation About Pain
      Oregon Health Authority
      December 31, 2021
    • Stroke Recovery Model
      Medbridge
      July 16, 2021
    • Advanced Wound Care Symposium
      Columbia Wound Care Community
      July 7, 2021
    • Symposium on Advanced Wound Care
      HMP Global
      November 4–6, 2020
    • A World of Hurt
      Adventist Health Portland
      February 14, 2020
    • Advanced Wound Care Conference
      Continuing Medical Education of Southern Oregon
      October 18–19, 2019
    • Treating Clients with Neurological Vision Impairment
      Professional Therapies NW
      November 16, 2019
    • Human Trafficking 101 for Allied Health Professionals
      PhysicalTherapy.com
      March 2, 2019
  • Courses

    PT 8755 – Integumentary System and Wound Care: Evaluation and Management in Physical – Therapy – Coordinator – Winter Term

    PT 5430 – Cardiovascular and Pulmonary System – Coordinator – Spring Term

    PT 7565 – Management of Complex Conditions in Inpatient Settings – Coordinator – Spring Term

    PT 5330 – Patient Care and Clinical Skills – Co-Instructor – Fall Term

    PT 7535 – Therapeutic and Mechanical Modalities – Co-Instructor – Fall Term

    PT 8810 – Clinically Oriented Readiness I – Co-Coordinator – Fall Term

  • Awards

    Be a Mission Owner

    Rehab Services Award from Adventist Health

    April 19, 2023

    Be Brilliant

    Rehab Services Award from Adventist Health

    April 20, 2022

  • Committees

    University of New Mexico, Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program

    Interviewer for DPT Candidates

    2012 – 2014

    University Service

    College level

    Curriculum Committee

    July 2024 – present

    Role: Member

    Student Experience Committee

    July 2024 – present

    Role: Member

    Student Performance Committee

    July 2024 – present

    Role: Alternate

  • Community Organizations

    Epic Software Integration - Super User

    Adventist Health Portland

    January 2023 – December 2023

    Clinical Instructor for DPT students

    October 2014 – December 2023

    Lift Class Instructor

    Adventist Health

    August 2021 – December 2023

    Student Onboarding Program

    Adventist Health Portland

    August – September 2021

    Shared Governance

    University of New Mexico Hospital

    July 2014 – May 2017

    Co-President of Vegetarians/Vegans of UNM

    University of New Mexico

    August 2011 – August 2012

    Physically Integrated Dance Volunteer

    Keshet Dance Company

    January 2011 – May 2012

    Vice President of UNM Physical Therapy Class of 2013

    University of New Mexico

    August 2010 – July 2013

    Big Sister Mentor

    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico

    December 2009 – July 2012

    Breakdancer

    Zia Queens Crew

    2009 – Present

    Vice President of UNM Juggling Club

    University of New Mexico

    Fall 2008 – Spring 2012

    Member & Section Leader

    Institute Choir

    Fall 2006 - Fall 2010