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Scarlett Morris, DPT, PT

Scarlett  Morris portrait
Clinical Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training
smorris6@kumc.edu

Professional Background

Scarlett Morris, DPT, PT, MTC, OCS, has practiced physical therapy in the Kansas City area since 2009. She is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Specialist and holds a certificate in orthopaedic manual therapy. Her clinical experience is primarily in the outpatient orthopedic setting with an expertise in workers compensation.

A clinical assistant professor, Morris provides instruction in KU's physical therapy degree program and presently teaches a course in acute physical therapy intervention as well as two orthopaedics courses. Due to her clinical expertise, Morris serves as a mentor and preceptor for students in a variety of settings during ICE affiliations including the ALS Association multidisciplinary clinic serving patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, JaySTART and BullDoc pro bono clinics, and the Family Medicine Interprofessional Teaching Clinic.

Prior to her arrival at KU, Morris started her academic career in 2014 in the physical therapy education program at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas. She joined to faculty at the KU Medical Center in 2017 to continue her academic career and clinical practice.

Morris remains active in the Kansas Physical Therapy Association where she serves on the research committee.

Academic Background
Morris graduated from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark., in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine. She then obtained her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Kansas in 2009 and became a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy in 2014.

Education and Training
  • BS, Sports Medicine , John Brown University, Siloam Springs, Arkansas
  • DPT, Physical Therapy , University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas
Professional Affiliations
  • American Physical Therapy Association Member, Academy of Acute Care PT, Member, 2017 - Present
  • American Physical Therapy Association Member, Education Section , Member, 2015 - Present
  • American Physical Therapy Association Member, Geriatric Section, Member, 2015 - Present
  • Kansas Physical Therapy Association, Research Committee, Member, 2015 - Present
  • Kansas Physical Therapy Association, Programming Committee, Member, 2015 - 2018
  • American Physical Therapy Association Member, Orthopaedic Section Member Occupational Health Special Interest Group, Member, 2014 - Present
  • American Physical Therapy Association Member, Orthopaedic Section, Member, 2007 - Present

Research

Overview

Morris' research interests are primarily educational in nature and student-focused. She has studied and continues to investigate pro bono student-run clinical services and learning outcomes. Her current research includes examining levels of resilience and burnout in students, faculty, and staff in health professions education.

With a strong interest in curricular development and assessment, Morris has a goal of improving educational processes and their ability to practically translate into clinical practice. As a member of the Leveraging Education And Research iN Physical Therapy laboratory, she has presented at conferences related to curricular rubric development.