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Headshot of Dana Tischler

Dana Tischler, PT, D.P.T., Ph.D.

she/her/hers
Assistant Clinical Professor

Location

Proctor 204
Portland Campus for the Health Sciences
Eligible for Student Opportunities

Dr. Dana Tischler joined the faculty in the Physical Therapy Department as an Assistant Clinical Professor in August 2023 to teach in the Cardiopulmonary and Pediatrics courses. Formerly, Dana was a faculty member at the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions and Ithaca College in a similar capacity. Dr. Tischler became a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy in 2019 and completed a PhD in Health Sciences at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in April 2023.

Dana’s clinical practice focuses on the treatment of medically complex infants, children, and adolescents in an acute care setting, with expertise in Pediatric Cardiology and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She worked at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Primary Children’s Hospital, and currently works in the NICU and pediatric acute care at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. Her clinical practice spans children of all ages, abilities, and diagnoses, with a strong emphasis on family-centered care and quality of life. 

As an educator, Dana strives to empower students to think critically and compassionately when caring for their future patients. She is passionate about teaching students both the clinical skills to be safe and effective, as well as fostering students’ ability to connect with their patients and clients on a personal level.

Credentials

Education

PhD in Health Sciences, Integrated Health Sciences Track
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
2023
DPT
Elon University
2010
MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology
The George Washington University
2005
BS in Fitness & Cardiac Rehab/Exercise Science
Ithaca College
2003

Expertise

  • Acute care
  • Cardiopulmonary physical therapy
  • Pediatric physical therapy

Board Certifications and Licenses

Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy

Research

Selected publications

Tischler D, Pitney W, Wood J, Shotwell M, Mooney C. Perceptions of patient-reported outcome measures in acute care pediatric physical therapy: A qualitative analysis. J Acute Care Phys Ther. 2023;14(4):146-158.

Tischler D, Wood J, Shotwell M, Pitney W, Mooney C. Patient-reported outcome measure use by acute care pediatric physical therapists. J Acute Care Phys Ther. 2023;14(4):165-173.

Tischler D, O’Leary M. Quality of life, participation, and individualized support in a community-based yoga class: A case series. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2022;34(4):556-562.

Ward A, Stedge H, Tischler D. Students’ experience with a college wellness course. Health Educ J. 2022;81(5):529-539.

Tischler D, O’Leary M. The impact of therapeutic yoga on quality of life and participation in children with special needs. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2020;32(4):E104-E105.

Karlin P, Falck D, Hamm L, Simlote S, Sullivan PA. Transitional cardiac rehabilitation: A quantitative analysis of functional capacity. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006;38(5):S327.

Funded grants

Utilization and Perceptions of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Inpatient Physical Therapy: A Mixed-Methods Study

  • Investigators: Tischler D, Shotwell M, Pitney W, Wood J, Mooney C.
  • Graduate Research Support & Travel Fund – Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Amount Funded: $280. Awarded 8/17/22

The Impact of Therapeutic Yoga on Quality of Life and Participation in Children with Special Needs

  • Investigators: Tischler D, O’Leary M
  • REACHE Grant – Ithaca College. Amount Funded: $4,655. Awarded 5/13/19

Invited plenary presentation

Tischler D, Mooney C, Shotwell M, Pitney W, Wood J. Utilization and perceptions of patient-reported outcome measures by pediatric acute care physical therapists. APTA Combined Sections Meeting 2024 – Academy of Acute Care Physical Therapy. February 16, 2024. Poster Presentation

Tischler D, Malik L, Granger K. Improving milestones step by step: Rehabilitation strategies for hospitalized children with congenital heart defects. APTA Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Fall Conference 2023. October 1, 2023. Education Session

Tischler D, Wood J, Shotwell M, Pitney W, Mooney C. Regional use of patient-reported outcome measures in pediatric acute care. APTA Utah Fall Conference 2022. October 29, 2022. Poster Presentation

Tischler D, O’Leary M. The impact of therapeutic yoga on quality of life and participation in children with special needs. APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference 2020. November 2020. Platform Presentation

Research interests

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures
Experiential Learning