Jessica S. Watson, PT, DPT, GCS

Biography

Jessica S. Watson, PT, DPT, GCS is a proud DeSales University alumni earning both a Bachelors of Science in Sport and Exercise Science and Doctorate in Physical Therapy. During her collegiate career she led several community service initiatives and events including the Raub Middle School Healthcare Field Expo and PT Day of Service. These achievements led to her being awarded the "Salesian Spirit Award" by her classmates.

Dr. Watson has diverse clinical experience in the acute and acute care rehabilitation settings throughout her career. She has worked for multiple established and respected health networks, including Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and Lehigh Valley Health Network, and continues to practice clinically for St. Luke’s Health Network. She has a special interest in working with the geriatric population in the acute rehabilitation setting.

Dr. Watson's primary responsibility is facilitating our program's on site student run, faculty supervised pro bono clinic, the DeSales Community Wellness and Physical Clinic. She also has teaching responsibilities that occur throughout all three years of the curriculum. Her primary responsibilities are for Foundations of Patient Care 1 and 2, Differential Diagnosis and Intervention: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy, and Promoting Health and Wellness.

Her research interests focus on community-based programming as reflected by her recent publication "High-Intensity Exercise in Community-Based Boxing Improves Functional Limitations in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease," in the International Journal of Exercise Science.

She has been an APTA member throughout her career and currently is a member of the Acute Care and Geriatrics sections. She is an active member of APTA PA and serves as Treasurer of the Northeast District.