Dr. Sue Klappa PT, PhD, is a professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, IA. She completed her PhD in Education, Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Minnesota with a focus on community engagement. Sue earned her Masters of Physical Therapy degree from St. Catherine University and also a MA in physical education with emphasis in cardiac rehab from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Klappa is a PT educator and clinician who has practiced physical therapy and presented internationally. She has a special interest in global and local public health. Dr. Klappa has had six tours of service to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. She has also led and facilitated many service learning/community engagement experiences for student PTs and PTAs in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Honduras, Mexico, and Haiti. Dr. Klappa’s research interests explore how inter professional collaboration, global health work, and international community engagement influence the formation of professional identity among physical therapists. Through her work, Dr. Klappa believes the humanities are crucial to understanding the human condition so that we may transform society to become complete human beings who are able to connect with others more deeply.
Sue Klappa, PT, PhD, and colleagues discuss how Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students created visual art projects to gain a deeper understanding of how physical therapy transforms society and improves quality of life for patients.