Faculty Spotlight: Neeti Pathare

Our DPT faculty are dedicated to make our students experience the best possible. Get to know our faculty members in the DPT Boston program—meet Neeti Pathare, associate professor of physical therapy.

What courses do you teach?
"I am the primary instructor for Human Physiology, Pharmacology, and Cardiopulmonary Practice Management, as well as the secondary instructor for Evidence Based Practice I, Evidence Based Practice II, and lab instructor for Management Across the Lifespan: Aging Adult and Management of Complex Patients."

Why did you choose to pursue a PhD?
"I received my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science, both in physical therapy, specializing in cardiovascular and respiratory function, from the University of Mumbai, India. This nearly six years of education provided me long hours in the clinic with my patients. As a new graduate, I was thrilled to use my toolbox of interventions to help my patients return to their optimal function. However, I was always questioning the rationale of using one intervention over the other and this “why” led me to apply for my PhD in rehabilitation science at the University of Florida. I was fortunate to get a sound clinical research background under the guidance of Dr. Vandenborne. My work during my PhD focused on examining the changes in muscle with disuse and activity in an animal and human model."

What are your areas of research and why did you pick them?
"As a physical therapist with a vested interest in clinical research, I aim to pursue lines of inquiry that are integrated well with my teaching and professional interests. To this end, I have engaged in collaborative community research in the field of childhood obesity, physical activity, and cardiovascular disease; and continue to mentor clinicians to transition from being consumers to generators of research. I am excited about my funded grant proposal “Ready, Set, Play!” in collaboration with a local YMCA to promote physical activity in children in an urban community. While the pandemic has delayed this project, it has created even a greater need to create such programs in our community to address healthcare disparities."

What accomplishments are you most proud of?
"As an educator, my most fulfilling accomplishment has been the American Physical Therapy Association’s Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section Mentoring Award (2014), given to me by for my contributions to teaching and mentoring professionals in this area."

Why did you choose to teach at Tufts?
"Tufts has reputation of being a national and world leader in providing highest quality education. It is an honor for me to be a part of the esteemed institution. My vision for myself is to translate my passion for physical therapy education in endeavors that allow engagement of stakeholders from varied backgrounds and beliefs. Tufts' mission and vision to create a student-centered learning experience that is collaborative and inclusive resonates with my own personal beliefs."

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with Tufts DPT students?
"I would like to share two pieces of advice; one from educational and the other from a clinical perspective. In the classroom, embrace everything including differences, things you like, things out of your comfort zone. Most importantly, get all the support you need from the program, faculty, and peers and be reciprocal in supporting others. Don’t be afraid to try something.

'Better is possible. It does not take genius. It takes diligence. It takes moral clarity. It takes ingenuity. And above all, it takes a willingness to try.' – Atul Gawande.

From a clinical perspective: Always listen to your patients.

'In examining disease, we gain wisdom about anatomy and physiology and biology. In examining the person with disease, we gain wisdom about life. – Oliver W. Sacks."

Anything else you would like to share?
This year, I have the privilege of being a part of the CELT/Tisch College Social-Emotional Learning for Equity and Civic Teaching (SELECT) Faculty Fellows program. The readings, reflections and discussions have been eye opening to me. I look forward to implementing some of the SEL strategies to create an inclusive and safe environment for my leaners.