Heather Hettrick, PT, PhD, CWS, AWCC, CLT-LANA, CLWT, CORE

Education

PhD in Physical Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in 2003

Master of Physical Therapy at Chapman University in 1995

Bachelor of Science in Physical Education/Pre-Physical Therapy at University of Puget Sound in 1992

Certifications

Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Lymphology Association of North America (CLT-LANA), 2016

Certified Manual Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), Academy of Lymphatic Studies, 2001

Certified Wound Specialist (CWS), American Board of Wound Management, 1997

Advanced Wound Care Certified (AWCC), National Alliance of Wound Care & Ostomy, 2019

Comprehensive Oncology Rehabilitation Expert (CORE), International Lymphedema & Wound Training Institute, 2019

Experiential Learning Fellow, National Society for Experiential Education, 2017

Certified Wound & Lymphedema Therapist (CLWT), International Lymphedema and Wound Training Institute, 2014

Teaching

Dr. Hettrick is a course leader for Integumentary Physical Therapy as well as for Gerontology.  She also teaches in Systems I Medical Pathology, Systems II Medical Issues in High Acuity Settings, Systems III Applied Clinical Decision Making, Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy, and Gender Health Issues in Physical Therapy.  Dr. Hettrick is also a mentor for the Faculty Residency Program and assists with Clinical Education.

Scholarly Activities and Research Interests

Dr. Hettrick’s educational research interests reside in game-based education and experiential learning for pedagogy, as well as creating and utilizing technology to enhance teaching and learning. Dr. Hettrick’s clinical research interests center on integumentary related dysfunction, including lymphedema and chronic wounds.  She is exploring the application of forensic science to wound management as well as conducting comparative pathology research between sea turtles and humans exhibiting papillomatosis.  Additionally, she is engaged in research and countermeasure development addressing issues in space medicine surrounding wound healing and venous and lymphatic health.

Service

Program Committees:  Admissions Committee Chair, White Coat Coordinator, PT PhD Dissertation Committees

College Committees:  Physical Assistant Committee on Student Progress, PFRDG Alternate Reviewer 

University Committees:  AIM High Medical School Immersion Camp- PT Liaison, KPCOM and University School Fellowship

Areas of Practice

Dr. Hettrick’s primary practice background has been in the Burn Intensive Care Unit as well as inpatient and outpatient wound management, including a limb salvage clinic and lymphatic filariasis clinic in Leogane Haiti.

Professional Activity

Dr. Hettrick has been an APTA member since 1995 and a member of the Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management Special Interest Group.  Dr. Hettrick is a Past President of the American Board of Wound Management and is a past Board and Executive Committee member of the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care.  She is currently on the board of the World Alliance of Wound and Lymphedema Care, advisory board for the Why Wound Care Campaign and Editorial Board for Today’s Wound Clinic.  Additionally, she is on the planning committee for the American Vein and Lymphatic Society as well as Symposium on Advanced Wound Care, and Faculty/Director of Wound Education for the International Lymphedema and Wound Training Institute. She is actively involved in numerous professional organizations, conducts research and publishes, presents and teaches, nationally and internationally on integumentary related issues. She has attended over 90 continuing education courses, authored over 30 journal articles, published 6 book chapters, and presented over 200 professional programs and conference presentations on various integumentary related topics.