Brandon Ness, PT, DPT, PhD is an Associate Professor and serves as the Assistant Director of Curriculum in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (Boston, MA) at Tufts University. Brandon’s research interests include health humanities, disability and accessibility in physical therapy education, and educational technology. Brandon believes that art allows him to connect with others in a unique, relatable way while exploring concepts in physical therapy practice and education. He has always enjoyed seeking opportunities for innovation in teaching/research, and the visual arts offer a creative, engaging means to understand different perspectives.
Seeking to illustrate the nuances of physical touch in PT practice, Brandon Ness, DPT program faculty member and artist, created an image to inspire discussion among his students about trust and healing. His account of that process—creating and refining the image, going through a Visible Thinking exercise with his students—shows how art can inspire fresh critical thinking.