Marcie Swift, Ph.D., PT, FAAOMPT

Professional Background

Marcie Swift, Ph.D., PT, FAAOMPT, is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training. An alumna and former instructor at KU Medical Center, she returned in August 2024 for her second tenure as a faculty member to teach foundational intervention courses and evidence-based research courses in the physical therapy (on campus and hybrid pathway) and athletic training programs. Prior to rejoining KU, Swift held various academic positions at Rockhurst University, including professor of physical therapy and director of the Seelos Simulation Center.

A graduate of the Kaiser-Hayward Advanced Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellowship Program, Swift is also a fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. Throughout her career, she has practiced physical therapy in the outpatient orthopedic setting. At KU, Swift serves as a mentor and preceptor for students during their integrated clinical experience affiliations at JaySTART. She has received recognition for her skills as an educator, and has been recognized with the American Physical Therapy Association's Kansas Award for Academic Excellence (2007), Rockhurst University Student Body Faculty of the Year Award (2013), and Rockhurst University's Physical Therapy Education Faculty of the Year Award (2014). She also received assessment awards including the Rockhurst University Excellence in Outcomes Assessment Award in 2016 and 2018.

Swift serves on the board of directors for the Kansas City Regional Simulation Alliance where she is an active member of the research committee and planning committee for the annual Health care in Simulation Conference.

Academic Background

Swift began her academic career by earning a bachelor's degree in life science from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. She continued her education at the University of Kansas where she earned her master's degree in physical therapy in 1996 and her doctorate in rehabilitation science in 2007.

Research

Overview

Swift investigates evaluation methods of student performance and clinical reasoning, including the use of standardized patients in objective structured clinical examinations and other simulation experiences, to integrate the concepts they are learning into a "real" clinical environment prior to beginning their long-term clinical Internships.