Director of the Physical Therapy Department | Associate Professor

Kari Miller, DPT, EdD

Kari Miller, PT, DPT, EdD, Board-Certified Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy is a professor of Physical Therapy in the College of Health and Human Services. Millers holds a doctorate from St. Ambrose University. She teaches courses related to her specialty area of geriatrics and her research interests pertaining to psychosocial dimensions of healthcare.

Contact Us

Center for Health Sciences Education 259

563-333-6432

MillerKarolynA@sau.edu

Education and Training

EdD, Creighton University, Interdisciplinary Leadership
DPT, St. Ambrose University
BS, St. Ambrose University, Exercise Science
ABPTS Geriatric Clinical Specialist
State of Wisconsin License 12282-24
State of Iowa License 005298

Certification and Licensure

American Physical Therapy Association, Member
Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy, APTA, Member
Academy of Physical Therapy Education, APTA, Member
Iowa Physical Therapy Association, APTA, Member

Recent Publications

Miller KA, Preventing Burnout of Physical Therapists: A Phenomenological Study to Guide Faculty in Preparing DPT Students. Physical Therapy Education Leadership Conference, Milwaukee, WI (Platform Presentation), October 2022
Frank LM, Ryan K, Miller KA. The Relationship between Stress, Anxiety, and Self-Care in DPT Students. Physical Therapy Education Leadership Conference, Milwaukee, WI (Poster Presentation), October 2022
Miller KA, Dailey DL, Lampe KE. Older Adult and Caregiver Empathy Simulation with Second Year Doctor of Physical Therapy Students. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Virtual (Poster Presentation), February 2021

Presentations

Miller, KA. Preventing Burnout of Physical Therapists: A Phenomenological Study to Guide Faculty, Innovation Summit for Health Professions Education 2023, Virtual Poster Presentation, June, 2023
Miller, KA. Preventing Burnout of Physical Therapists: A Phenomenological Study to Guide Faculty in Preparing DPT Students, Physical Therapy Education Leadership Conference, Milwaukee, WI, Platform Presentation, October, 2022
Frank LM, Ryan K, Miller KA. The Relationship between Stress, Anxiety, and Self-Care in DPT Students, Physical Therapy Education Leadership Conference, Milwaukee, WI, Poster Presentation, October, 2022
Miller KA, Dailey DL, Lampe KE. Older Adult and Caregiver Empathy Simulation with Second Year Doctor of Physical Therapy Students, APTA CSM Poster Presentation, February, 2021

Courses Taught

Functional Anatomy

Provide students with the knowledge and psychomotor skills necessary to successfully use and document these basic forms of assessment - visual observation and manual palpation of anatomical landmarks, examination of joint mobility and range of motion, and testing of the muscular strength and performance - in clinical practice.
Functional Anatomy Lab

Issues in Patient Care

This course examines psycho/social/emotional issues that have impact the quality of person-centered care. Influences on effective communication, motivation and adherence, and goal attainment will be assessed. Roles of physical therapists as collaborators, consultants, teachers and care supervisors for persons with a range of psycho/social/emotional needs will be discussed. Specific psychosocial concerns pertaining to mental healthcare will be explored. Strategies for identification/prevention of professional/care giver burnout will be presented. Current events and healthcare hot topics will also be explored through a person-centered care lens.

Orthotics and Prosthetics

Introduction to concepts of orthotic and prosthetic management of patient conditions. Themes include lifespan, cultural, financial issues and patients own individual goals in helping the patient achieve their highest level of function. Learn psychomotor skills in laboratory such as taping, total contact casting, residual limb wrapping, and therapeutic exercise.

PT Procedures II- Geriatrics Module

This course presents current evaluation experiences and intervention topics applicable to selected patient populations and areas of specialty practice in physical therapy. Topics related to the pediatric population include neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric pelvic health, serial casting, educational setting, Early Intervention setting, and orthotic devices specific for pediatric clients. Topics related to geriatrics include psychosocial considerations for older adults and caregivers, functional assessments, exercise prescription, pain management, fall prevention, nutrition, communication, community resources, and treating clients with dementia. Topics related to other specialty practices in physical therapy include industrial rehabilitation, workstation assessment, aquatics, pelvic health, emergency department, home health, assistive technology, and alternative/integrative therapies. It is anticipated that this course will increase students' exposure to a greater variety of topics, skills, and techniques, and facilitate their interest in pursuing future areas of specialized clinical practice.

Portfolio Project

The purpose of the Portfolio Project is for students to capture and reflect upon their growth into highly competent physical therapists ready for contemporary practice. The Portfolio Project will provide a mechanism for students to collect artifacts that demonstrate their growth, self-reflect and discuss their development, and use the peer review process to mentor others in their growth. The project will focus on the Department of Physical Therapy Core Values: (1) Clinical Practice and Patient Management (2) Interpersonal Skills (3) Professionalism, Professional Development and Leadership (4) Scholarship and (5) Service. Service learning is a learning experience that combines community service with preparation and reflection. Students will complete formative reflection activities throughout the curriculum. Students will share their portfolio for feedback at multiple time points beginning at the end of year 1. At the completion of the students will share their final product with faculty and create a summative digital presentation of their portfolio.

Professional Services

Student Success Task-Force, American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, 2024 - 2025

Abstract Reviewer, Physical Therapy Education Leadership Conference, 2023, 2024

Item Writer, ABPTS Specialization Academy of Content Expert (SACE) Appointment, 2020-2022

Interprofessional Health Clinic Volunteer Faculty Member, St. Ambrose University, 2018-Present