Angela M Lis, PT, Ph.D, CEU

Associate Professor
Department of Physical Therapy

I have been a physical therapist since 1993. During my career, I have engaged in academic, research and clinical endeavors, all emphasizing musculoskeletal disorders and evidence-based practice. I joined Seton Hall University on 2016 as an Associate Professor for the Department of Physical Therapy. During the last years I have focused my teaching into facilitating processes of evidence-based practice, specifically translating knowledge into clinical practice. This has informed the development of the foundational kinesiology courses as well as the Habits of Mind courses of the Seton Hall’s PT program, specifically, Critical Thinking, Critical Inquiry I and II and the series of Capstone projects.

My experience as a teacher and clinical instructor started while teaching Basic Biomechanics and Applied Biomechanics at the Department of Physical Therapy, Corporación Universitaria Iberoamericana Bogota, Colombia (1996-98) and later at the Master Program in Ergonomics and Biomechanics at NYU (2000-07). As a physical therapist, most of my clinical practice has been in field of orthopedics, occupational MSK disorders and chronic pain population. From 2004 to 2016, I worked as the Associate Clinical Director at the Occupational and Industrial Orthopaedic Center, NYU Langone Medical Center. In that position, I centered my work on promoting the application of evidence-based practice, specifically patient centered models and the biopsychosocial model of pain and disability. Since early 2000, I have worked closely with an interdisciplinary team of experts in the field of MSK disorders, pain, and disability. This presented unique opportunities to participate in research and various academic activities with special interest in biomechanical, psychological, and social factors associated with the risk of disability and work-related MSK disorders. Maintaining a constant collaboration with academia has provided me with the opportunity to work with experts in the field of musculoskeletal disorders and spine pain and participate in important grants serving as Research Coordinator or Principal Investigator.

Over the years, I have acquired the organizational, research, teaching, leadership, and communication skills required to contribute in an effective manner to the students’ learning experiences. A constant through my professional career has been teaching physical therapy students. I have always been committed to facilitating learning processes and stimulating critical thinking through practical experiences. My philosophy of teaching is student-centered. I promote active learning and encourage students to be partners in the learning process. I believe in motivating students and creating challenges that will foster their curiosity to learn. I believe that knowledge gained through active participation is knowledge that will remain with an individual. I want to continue contributing to the field through research and the training of future academic and clinical leaders in physical therapy who can drive the profession to the highest levels of service and research.