Man with short gray hair wearing a black suit jacket over a dark gray collared shirt and a gold tie with dark blue squares.
Contact

Bridgeside Point 1 100 Technology Drive, Suite 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Biography

David Wert was drawn to the profession of physical therapy as it involves a mix of both the science and art – an intermingling of anatomy, movement science and manual skills with the creativity and decision-making that comes with developing a rehabilitation approach based on the unique lived experiences, medical status and goals of each patient.  The ability to work with a variety of patients with unique backgrounds, medical conditions and life stages was equally as intriguing. Wert’s passion and drive for teaching and learning stems from the satisfaction of seeing difficult concepts become understood and learned – seeing students’ “lightbulbs” come on and connections to something meaningful being developedBeing part of a larger faculty team that is dedicated to helping students develop an appreciation for life-long learning, extending beyond their time at the University of Pittsburgh DPT program and into their clinical lives as practicing physical therapists, is one of his favorite things about being part of the Pitt DPT family. 

Education
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh,
  • Master of Physical Therapy, Slippery Rock University
  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Sport Science, Penn State University
Awards
  • School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Dean’s Distinguished Teaching Award
Research Interests
  • Scholarship of teaching and learning
  • Holistic admissions 
Publications
  • Sansano-Nadal O, Gine-Garriga M, Brach JS, Wert David M, Jerez-Roig J, Guerra-Balic M, Oviedo G, Fortuno J, et al. Exercise-Based Interventions to Enhance Long-Term Sustainability of Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Int J Environ Res Pub Health. 2019;16(14): 2527. 
  • Wert, David M.; Perera, Subashan; Nutini, Jean F., Ricci, Edmund M.; Coffman, Leslie; Turnquist, Rachael; VanSwearingen, Jessie; Brach, Jennifer. Motor Control-based Group Exercise: Can It Be Delivered as Effectively by Lay Leaders?.Transl J Am Coll Sports Med. 2018;3(3):19-27 
  • Wert DM, VanSwearingen JM, Perera S, Studenski SA, Brach JS. The Impact of a Portable Metabolic Measurement Device on Gait Characteristics of Older Adults with Mobility Limitations. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2016;39(2):77-82. 
Professional Organization Appointments
  • Member – American Physical Therapy Association