We are excited to welcome Melissa Lazinksi, PT, DPT, DHSc, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy as an Associate Professor to our DPT program. Prior to coming to USF, Dr. Lazinski was a founding faculty member at Nova Southeastern University’s hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Tampa where she assisted in the development of the curriculum and several courses.  She chose to come to USF because of the energy and atmosphere of the program, faculty, and students. She is excited to join a rapidly growing university and program.

She is a St. Petersburg native and received a Bachelor of Health Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida, Doctor of Physical Therapy from Regis University in Denver, CO, and Doctor of Health Science with a concentration in education from AT Still University in Mesa, AZ. She has been a Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy since 2007.

Dr. Lazinski has been in physical therapist education for 11 years and in the physical therapy profession for more than 20 years. Her teaching background includes courses in anatomy, biomechanics and kinesiology, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation and guest instruction in pain science and rehabilitation, evidence-based practice, and vestibular rehabilitation. She also has experience in post-professional education as the founding Coordinator of an Orthopedic Residency program in which she developed the curriculum, lead didactic content, and served as a clinical mentor. She enjoys enhancing student learning by incorporating active learning strategies such as hands-on practice, guided lab activities, patient case scenarios, role playing, and simulation. She is currently teaching in foundations two, assisting in CPS 2 and musculoskeletal CPS labs, and is a group leader in seminar two and four. She is also a guest lecturer in numerous courses this spring and can teach content in pain science and rehabilitation of patients with chronic pain.

Dr. Lazinski’s research is in teaching and learning including blended models of instruction, interprofessional education, simulation, and psychomotor skills instruction. She has published articles in blended instruction of psychomotor skills and a hybrid model for interprofessional education.  Dr. Lazinski has given presentations at a local, state, and national level about hybrid and blended teaching and learning. Now being at USF, she hopes to further collaborate with faculty on educational research and developing a comprehensive program outcomes process.

Dr. Lazinski has clinical experience in acute care, skilled nursing, outpatient, and clinical management. Most recently, she practiced pro bono supervising student physical therapists at the Judeo-Christian Health Clinic in Tampa and the Clearwater Free Clinic. Dr. Lazinski has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) since 1998 and is a member of the Orthopedic, Education, and Hand and Upper Extremity Academies.  She is also a member of the Residency and Pain Special Interest Groups. Dr. Lazinski has served the FPTA as a Delegate to the House, an FPTA Assembly Representative, and was a past West Central District Secretary.

She enjoys being able to help students achieve their educational and professional goals. She especially enjoys breaking down complex concepts to make them accessible to learners. One way she does this is by developing lab activities that help students apply knowledge and practice skills that they will eventually use to care for patients. One of her favorite subject areas is in the care and rehabilitation of patient who have chronic pain.  She also enjoys studying program outcomes to identify strengths and opportunities in a process of continuous quality improvement.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors.  She is an avid gardener and has a Florida-native garden that attracts many native species of pollinators and birds. She also has a passion for health and physical activity, being active in tennis and golf, practicing Pilates, road and mountain biking, paddle boarding, and kayaking.