Biography
Scott Burns, PT, DPT is a professor of instruction in the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and is currently the interim chair for the department and the program director for the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program. Dr. Burns received his physical therapy education from the University of Colorado and The University of Newcastle (Australia). He also has obtained clinical board specialization in orthopaedic physical therapy though the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and completed his fellowship training in orthopaedic manual physical therapy at Regis University (Denver, CO). He is a licensed physical therapist in Pennsylvania and maintains an active clinical practice treating individuals with musculoskeletal and pain disorders.
Dr. Burns teaches primarily in the musculoskeletal content within the DPT program. He is responsible for the administrative leadership within the department that includes many programs including the BS in health professions, BS in recreational therapy, MS in neuromotor science, PhD in neuromotor science and clinical professional programs including the DPT program, master of occupational therapy, MS in athletic training, MS in recreational therapy and doctor of athletic training.
Dr. Burns has been selected as a representative to serve on the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) Criteria for Excellence meeting in 2019 and subsequently been invited to join the taskforce to create a Blueprint for Excellence in Physical Therapist Education. He has been recognized as the recipient of the Rising Star Award by the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Alumni Association (2020). He was also awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award (2014) by the College of Public Health at Temple University.
Dr. Burns also maintains an active research agenda in the area of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, manual therapy and optimal delivery of physical therapist education. He has authored 13 peer-reviewed publications (nine as primary author), six book chapters and over 25 peer-reviewed presentations. He was awarded the Dick Erhard Award for Best Platform Presentation at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT) conference in 2010. He has also served the last several years as a core member of the Research Committee for AAOMPT.
Education
- PhD candidate, Physiotherapy, University of Newcastle, Australia (anticipated completion fall 2021)
- DPT, Physical Therapy, University of Colorado
- MSPT, Physical Therapy, University of Colorado
- BS, Kinesiology, University of Colorado
Specializations and fellowships
- Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
- Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)
- Fellow, American Physical Therapy Association Educational Leadership
Courses Taught
Number | Name | Level |
|---|---|---|
PHTH 8101 | Introduction to Physical Therapy | Graduate |
PHTH 8137 | Evidence Based Practice II | Graduate |
PHTH 8162 | Integrated Clinical Experience 2 | Graduate |
PHTH 8165 | Integrated Clinical Experience 5 | Graduate |
Selected Publications
Recent
Burns, S., Cleland, J., Rivett, D., & Snodgrass, S. (2019). Examination procedures and interventions for the hip in the management of low back pain: a survey of physical therapists. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 23(5), 419-427. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.09.007.
Burns, S., Cleland, J., Rivett, D., & Snodgrass, S. (2018). Effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for low back pain targeting the low back only or low back plus hips: a randomized controlled trial protocol. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 22(5), 424-430. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.08.014.
Burns, S., Cleland, J., Cook, C., Bade, M., Rivett, D., & Snodgrass, S. (2018). Variables Describing Individuals With Improved Pain and Function With a Primary Complaint of Low Back Pain: A Secondary Analysis. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 41(6), 467-474. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2017.11.006.
Mintken, P., McDevitt, A., Michener, L., Boyles, R., Beardslee, A., Burns, S., Haberl, M., Hinrichs, L., & Cleland, J. (2017). Examination of the validity of a clinical prediction rule to identify patients with shoulder pain likely to benefit from cervicothoracic manipulation. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 47(4), 252-260. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2017.7100.