Meet the 2025 SIG Candidates

Dr. Abbis Jaffri, PT, MS, PhD
Profile: Dr. Abbis Haider Jaffri is an Assistant Professor with a Ph.D. in Biomechanics from the University of Virginia, and Master's in Sports Medicine from Penn State and over a decade of dedicated research in foot and ankle health, focusing on improving assessment methods and advancing treatment techniques. His work has significantly contributed to the development of innovative ultrasound-based approaches, including shear wave elastography, to quantify muscle stiffness and functional reserve in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Dr. Jaffri has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, including systematic reviews and comparative analyses that have shaped evidence-based rehabilitation practices. He previously served as Research Chair for the Foot and Ankle Special Interest Group, where he led initiatives to promote scientific rigor and clinical translation within the specialty. In recognition of his academic excellence and leadership, Dr. Jaffri was recently honored with the prestigious Margaret L. Moore Outstanding New Academic Faculty Award. His professional involvement extends to national and chapter-level activities, fostering collaboration and advancing musculoskeletal rehabilitation through education, research, and advocacy. With a strong commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into patient-centered care, Dr. Jaffri continues to mentor emerging scholars and clinicians while driving interdisciplinary projects that address complex neuromuscular adaptations. His vision for the Foot and Ankle Special Interest Group emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and evidence-based practice, ensuring that members are equipped with the tools and knowledge to deliver optimal outcomes for patients worldwide.

Statement: I am honored to be considered for the position of President of the Foot and Ankle Special Interest Group (FASIG). For the past decade, my work has focused on advancing foot and ankle research by improving assessment methods and developing evidence-based treatment strategies that directly impact clinical practice. My research has introduced innovative approaches, including ultrasound imaging and shear wave elastography, to better understand muscle function and neuromuscular adaptations in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Having served as Research Chair for FASIG for three years, I have had the privilege of leading initiatives that connected our members with cutting-edge developments in foot and ankle clinical research. During this time, I hosted podcasts and interviews with renowned researchers from across the country, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and ensuring that our members stayed informed about the latest advancements. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the importance of collaboration, education, and accessibility to evidence-based resources. As President, my vision is to strengthen FASIG’s role as a leader in innovation and clinical excellence by expanding opportunities for mentorship, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing practical tools that translate research into improved patient outcomes. I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our community and leveraging technology to enhance engagement and resource sharing. Together, we can ensure that FASIG continues to be a dynamic and forward-thinking group that empowers clinicians and researchers to deliver the highest standard of care for patients with foot and ankle conditions. I am excited about the opportunity to serve and work alongside our members to achieve these goals.

Dr. Shwetambari Korde, PT, DPT, CCIP (Level 1),OCS
Profile: I am the Lead Physical Therapist at Progressive Spine and Orthopedics, LLC —also known as the New Jersey Disc Center—in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where I integrate evidence-based reasoning with structured implementation to optimize function across diverse musculoskeletal populations. With over two decades of experience in India and the United States, my professional journey spans clinical care, quality leadership, and academic scholarship—advancing a model of physical therapy that values precision, adaptability, and outcomes that matter.

Earlier in my career, I led the Physiotherapy Department at Fortis Hospitals in Mumbai, India. My engagement with Joint Commission International accreditation and system-wide quality initiatives led to my transition into the role of Quality Manager. In that capacity, I developed performance-improvement frameworks, trained interdisciplinary teams to interpret and apply key metrics, and aligned institutional practices with established standards of safety and effectiveness. Several of these initiatives received national recognition from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and international awards at Hospital Management Asia (HMA), reinforcing my conviction that quality is not an event but a culture—built through collaboration, accountability, and consistency.

I am a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, an APTA Level 1 Certified Clinical Instructor, and maintain active licenses in New Jersey, New York, and California.

In parallel with my clinical practice, I am also pursuing PhD in Physical Therapy at Loma Linda University, where my research examines adaptive learning and movement efficiency—focusing on how clinicians process, calibrate, and apply feedback to improve decision-making. Across every phase of my career—clinical, administrative, and academic—my focus has remained consistent: identify performance gaps, design responsive systems, and align teams toward meaningful outcomes. I view leadership as the capacity to translate shared vision into measurable progress, a principle that aligns directly with FASIG’s mission to advance orthopaedic foot and ankle physical therapy through research, education, and collaboration.

Statement: Leadership, to me, is the discipline of co-creating vision and the courage to execute it with precision, empathy, and integrity. Across more than two decades of practice in India and the United States, I have seen physical therapy evolve from an intuitive art into a dynamic, data-driven science—transforming human potential through motion. That evolution has shaped my own path: building systems, mentoring clinicians, and transforming ideas into outcomes that matter. I bring that purpose and passion to FASIG, where advancing excellence in orthopaedic foot and ankle physical therapy requires not only knowledge, but the willingness to act on it—to turn science into practice and community into progress. If elected Vice-Chair, I will partner closely with the Chair and leadership team to strengthen the bridge between vision and execution. Together, we will refine a strategic framework that is aspirational yet grounded—defining clear objectives, tracking measurable outcomes, and maintaining momentum through structured implementation. Leadership begins with alignment: understanding where our collective expertise, member priorities, and the broader APTA mission intersect. From that shared purpose, I will work to amplify FASIG’s visibility, expand engagement, and ensure that every initiative—whether in CSM programming, research dissemination, or clinical education—leads to tangible, trackable results that enrich our members and the profession.

Throughout my career, I have been driven by one constant: the pursuit of meaningful impact. As Quality Manager at Fortis Hospitals in Mumbai, I guided interdisciplinary teams through Joint Commission International accreditation—creating frameworks that sustained quality far beyond audits. As a Physical Therapist, I continue to design integrated care pathways, mentor teams across specialties, and monitor outcome measures that reflect both patient function and human experience. As a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and APTA-Certified Clinical Instructor, I have worked to cultivate reflection, curiosity, and excellence—values that sustain lifelong learning and quality improvement.

My proposed research in adaptive learning and movement efficiency builds on this foundation, exploring how clinicians think, evolve, and adapt within complex systems of care. It reflects my core belief that progress is a process of alignment, reflection, and disciplined execution.

FASIG now stands at an exciting threshold: from being a repository of expertise to becoming a catalyst for translation and implementation. If elected, I will help lead that evolution—co-developing vision with the Chair, coordinating high-quality educational programming for CSM, and fostering open, inclusive dialogue among members. I will promote a culture that celebrates diversity, equity, and belonging, while upholding transparency and fiduciary responsibility to our community. Above all, I will serve with conviction—that every initiative we launch, every collaboration we nurture, and every insight we translate into practice brings us one step closer to what defines true leadership: impact that endures.

Dr. David A. Hoyle, DPT, MA, OCS, COHP
Profile: Dr. David Hoyle, DPT, MA, OCS, COHP is the current Vice President of the Occupational Health Special Interest group. As the National Director of WorkStrategies Clinical Services for Select Medical, he is responsible for the philosophy of care and provision of tools, training, and mentorship for clinicians providing care to patients covered under workers compensation. Dr. Hoyle majored in physical therapy earning his BS, and then continued studies in exercise sciences earning a masters degree from the University of Connecticut. He also earned a post professional doctorate of physical therapy from Regis University. An expert in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, recognized as a Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties since 1996 and as one of the first Certified Occupational Health Practitioners in 2023. His synthesis of the literature has led to him to be a strong proponent of a person centered care model that seeks to understand individual physical, psychological, and societal factors that lead to disability. He believes in the pillars of the American College of Lifestyle medicine as way to maximize health and productivity. His current area of scholarship surrounds the use of the Orebro Musculoskeletal Short Form to inform clinicians on biopsychosocial risk of extended work absence and the use of psychological informed physical therapy to overcome disability. He is a frequent speaker related to musculoskeletal injuries, workers compensation, and the biopsychosocial approach to care including at Combined Sections Meeting, National Comp, Workers Compensation Institute and American Occupational Health Conference. His current area of research is in further validating the Orebro Musculoskeletal Questionnaire as a predictor of impaired recovery. In addition to serving as Vice President of the OHSIG, he has been on the nominating committee of the OHSIG and severed on several committees for APTA Connecticut. Currently he is organizing a revision of the CPG on Worker Participation for the OHSIG as well as is active on the legislative committee in Connecticut where for the last couple of years they have been making progress towards allowing direct access under workers compensation. Dr. Hoyle is an active member of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine where he currently part of a work group with a grant to produce a Healthy Worker Summit as well as one publishing a guideline line of the use of risk tools in occupational medicine.

Statement: I believe that Physical Therapist are key to bringing greater value to musculoskeletal care in the US. Direct access which has come of age during my tenure as a clinician still has barriers to overcome especially in the area of work related injuries. In the position of vice chair of the occupational health community I will continue my support of grass roots efforts to expand direct access for injured workers. I will also continue to work with others to support a more holistic approach to person center care through connecting the community with other groups internal to APTA as well as external including the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. I have been fortunate to see so much growth in the responsibilities of and opportunities for Physical Therapists over the last four decades. The US healthcare system is in need of our expanding expertise now as much as it did 40 years ago and I plan to continue to be a driving force and work with others to meet the needs of care of musculoskeletal conditions of Americans through continue growth of knowledge and responsibilities of Physical Therapists.

Dr. Eric Kruger, PT, DPT, MS, PhD
Profile: Eric Kruger, PT, DPT, MS, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. He holds a PhD in Psychology with a major emphasis in Health Psychology and a minor in Quantitative Psychology, complemented by clinical training as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. His academic career integrates rehabilitation science, psychology, and advanced quantitative methods to improve pain care, patient recovery, and substance use outcomes. Dr. Kruger’s research program focuses on the biopsychosocial determinants of pain, opioid use, and recovery following musculoskeletal trauma. He has published 27 peer-reviewed manuscripts and contributed to 45 scientific presentations at national and international meetings. Nationally, Dr. Kruger is the twice-elected Vice President and Education Chair of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Orthopaedics Pain Special Interest Group, where he leads professional education programming, coordinates webinars, and oversees Combined Sections Meeting session development. He is deeply committed to professional development and continuing education, having presented at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting and the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) Educational Leadership Conference. His professional service extends to roles as a reviewer for multiple journals in rehabilitation and behavioral science. Dr. Kruger’s educational scholarship examines innovation in Doctor of Physical Therapy training, with emphasis on motivational interviewing, language equity, and the integration of artificial intelligence into clinical education. His research on motivational interviewing explores how communication training enhances patient-centered care, fosters therapeutic alliance, and improves behavioral health outcomes. He has also led initiatives to improve language access and inclusion through Spanish language curricula designed to reduce disparities in care for patients with limited English proficiency. Additionally, he is investigating the role of large language models and artificial intelligence in professional education, focusing on how these tools can augment learning, critical thinking, and cultural competence in physical therapy students. Dr. Kruger serves as Director of Research and Director of Graduate Outcomes for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, leading initiatives to strengthen research infrastructure and educational quality. His leadership, scientific expertise, and interdisciplinary perspective exemplify a sustained commitment to advancing pain science, professional education, and equitable practice across the physical therapy profession.

Statement: I have had the privilege of serving as Vice President and Education Chair of the Pain Special Interest Group (SIG) for the past five years. During this time, I have witnessed the critical role of the SIG in advancing advocacy, education, and knowledge translation related to pain within the orthopaedic physical therapy community. APTA Orthopaedics represents the most effective platform for leading the integration of pain science into practice, and I believe the Pain SIG is essential in translating this vision into tangible action. Through my leadership, I have worked collaboratively with colleagues to expand access to high-quality educational programming, strengthen interdisciplinary engagement, and promote equitable representation of pain science within national professional discourse. If elected President, my priorities would include continued progress toward recognition of pain specialization within physical therapy, expansion of the workforce of clinicians with biopsychosocial and behavioral health competencies, and the advancement of high-value educational resources that improve clinical care and professional satisfaction. I intend to continue expanding our library of webinars, podcasts, and microlearning opportunities to deliver evidence-based, accessible, and engaging content that meets the needs of both emerging and experienced practitioners. These initiatives align with the APTA Orthopaedics strategic emphasis on professional well-being and excellence of practice by reducing barriers to continuing education, strengthening community engagement, and enhancing the consistency and quality of patient care. My leadership philosophy emphasizes service, inclusion, and collaboration. I believe that sustained progress occurs when we build systems that empower members to lead, contribute, and innovate. As a faculty member and researcher, I am deeply engaged in educational and translational science focused on improving how clinicians learn and apply complex pain-related knowledge. Looking ahead, I envision the Pain SIG as an active hub for innovation, advocacy, and mentorship within APTA Orthopaedics, an inclusive community where members feel empowered to contribute meaningfully to the profession’s growth. By fostering partnerships with other APTA groups and external organizations such as the United States Association for the Study of Pain, I aim to amplify the role of physical therapists as leaders in pain care, advancing the APTA Orthopaedics mission to transform society through movement and musculoskeletal health.

Dr. Corey Woldenberg, PT, DPT, DHSc
Profile: Corey Woldenberg, PT, DPT, DHSc, is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Orthopaedic Surgery at WashU School of Medicine. She leads pain-related content in the DPT program as well as in the WashU Women’s Health and Orthopaedic PT residency programs and she shares her expertise in pain science and physical therapy pain management with interdisciplinary audiences through teaching in the MD program, as well as community-facing support groups for people living with chronic pain. As a member of the Clinical Education Team, Dr. Woldenberg helps bridge classroom and clinical learning, aligning pain education with the evolving needs of clinical instructors and students during experiential learning. Clinically, Dr. Woldenberg practices in a specialty care clinic embedded within the Pain Management/Anesthesiology Department at WashU, where she integrates multimodal, holistic approaches for the comprehensive management of complex pain conditions. She also provides mentoring, consultation, and continuing education across the WashU Physical Therapy clinic network to support pain assessment and complex pain management. Nationally, Dr. Woldenberg is an active leader in pain education and advocacy. She serves as Co-Chair of the USASP Pain, Movement, and Rehabilitation Science SIG (2025-2027); as a member of the USASP Education and Professional Development Committee and Certificate Program Taskforce (2024-2027); and as a member of the IASP Digital Strategy and Content Working Group (2024-2026). Within APTA, she contributes to the Pain SIG Research Subgroup developing clinician-facing quantitative sensory testing resources. Her scholarly work and national presentations reflect a commitment to advancing pain education, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring clinicians are equipped to deliver compassionate, effective, and inclusive care for people living with pain.

Statement: I am deeply committed to advancing pain management and pain education within and beyond the physical therapy profession, and I see the APTA Pain SIG as a vital platform for connection, innovation, and leadership in this space. If elected Chair, my priorities would focus on strengthening member engagement, promoting applied pain science education, and fostering collaboration across professions and practice settings. As a practicing clinician, academic faculty member, and member of the clinical education team, I bring a perspective that bridges classroom and clinic, allowing me to identify and respond to the evolving needs of both practicing clinicians and future professionals. I would work to expand opportunities for member involvement through mentorship and collaborative initiatives, support the development of practical resources that help clinicians translate pain science into daily care, and facilitate stronger connections between the Pain SIG, USASP, and IASP to amplify our collective voice in the broader pain community. My leadership philosophy centers on clarity, collaboration, and inclusive excellence practices—I believe in building structures that make participation easy and meaningful, ensuring that every member feels valued and equipped to contribute. I am also committed to enhancing communication within the SIG by improving transparency and accessibility of information, celebrating member achievements, and fostering dialogue that reflects the diversity of clinician and patient experiences. By strengthening partnerships within and beyond APTA, we can position the Pain SIG as a leader in translating contemporary pain science into compassionate, effective, and sustainable clinical practice. I am excited by the opportunity to serve our members, strengthen our community, and help the Pain SIG continue to grow as a connected, forward-thinking, and empowering professional home for those dedicated to improving the lives of people living with pain.

Dr. Marisa Hentis, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Profile: I am an Assistant Professor and Director of the Performing Arts Physical Therapy Fellowship at University of Southern California, where I am a joint faculty member between the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy and the Kaufman School of Dance. I am board-certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). I currently lead the dance medicine program on campus and actively expanding our clinical and teaching practices to include all performing arts, beyond dance. Our program includes teaching at the undergraduate and graduate school levels as well as providing clinical work in an outpatient setting as well as backstage work on campus and throughout the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. I have been on leadership for the PASIG since 2018 and currently hold the position of Screening Chair. I have spoken at national and international conferences on the topics of performing arts, screening, and pelvic floor physical therapy. I have dedicated my career to assisting performing artists from a clinical, teaching, and research perspective in order to bring the best healthcare to the performing arts. I am passionate on keeping the performing arts at the forefront of specialties with increase in educational opportunities, clinical opportunities, and research opportunities. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, I danced professionally in the Midwest for more than 5 years. I am trained in a majority of genres but specializes in hip hop and contemporary. I enjoy continuing to take classes recreationally and getting involved with the community to prevent and assist performing artists throughout their recreational and professional careers.

Statement: As an active membership on the leadership board for the PASIG, I am already very familiar with the short- and long-term goals of the Performing Arts SIG. We are consistently pushing our area of specialization to have more educational opportunities, opportunities for students and public facing information for current patients and health care providers alike. I am a large advocate for progressing our field to include more evidence-based research into our entry level education and pushing forward our current evidence-based practices. I would love to see more performing arts education as a part of pre-conference courses, more APTA sponsored guidelines and practices, as well as improve a database for students to find clinical rotations. I also want to progress the Performing Arts SIG to be more diverse to include all performing arts and patient populations. Other international organizations are beginning to include performing arts for health to help blend our group with other SIGs. This can include collaboration with other Academies, SIGs and professions to place the APTA PASIG as the leader in our field and set examples for other PTs and professions. We have started completing this by sponsoring other organizations and providing outreach programs for our members to feel more include. I want to continue this trend and continue to provide more options and opportunities for all involved.