Laura B Simaitis
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
Laura B Simaitis
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Simaitis is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. A Quinnipiac University alumna ’09, ’13, Dr. Simaitis has been a full-time faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy since 2023. Dr. Simaitis is an active member in the department, serving on the Scholarship Committee. Dr. Simaitis is also involved with the American Physical Therapy Association at the state level, previously serving on the Nominating Committee for APTA CT. Currently, she serves as the Co-Chair of the Education and Quality Committee of APTA CT's Neurologic Special Interest Group.
Dr. Simaitis currently teaches Neurorehabilitation I, Neurorehabilitation II, and Professional Issues in Physical Therapy II. Her professional experiences span over 11 years in the inpatient and outpatient settings along the continuum of care. Recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2018, Dr. Simaitis became a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in clinical practice. She brings this excellence to the classroom through her active teaching style.
Dr. Simaitis’ current research interests include the use of outcome measures via telehealth and the use of outcome measures to predict fall risk in individuals with neurologic disease. Another research passion of Dr. Simaitis’ includes educational strategies to mitigate health disparities among underrepresented populations.
Dr. Simaitis currently teaches Neurorehabilitation I, Neurorehabilitation II, and Professional Issues in Physical Therapy II. Her professional experiences span over 11 years in the inpatient and outpatient settings along the continuum of care. Recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2018, Dr. Simaitis became a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in clinical practice. She brings this excellence to the classroom through her active teaching style.
Dr. Simaitis’ current research interests include the use of outcome measures via telehealth and the use of outcome measures to predict fall risk in individuals with neurologic disease. Another research passion of Dr. Simaitis’ includes educational strategies to mitigate health disparities among underrepresented populations.
Education
- DIPL, Kimball Union Academy
- BS, Quinnipiac University
- DPT, Quinnipiac University
- DED, University of St. Augustine for
Areas of Expertise
- Neurorehabilitation/Neurosurgery
Organization
- Physical Therapy
Office Location
- Medicine, Nursing, Health Sci
Mail Drop
- NH-HSC
Quinnipiac Today
Experience
Quinnipiac University
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
Hamden, CT, USA
2023 - Present
Quinnipiac University
Visiting Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
Hamden, CT, USA
2020 - 2023
Quinnipiac University
Adjunct faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy
Hamden, CT, USA
2018 - 2020
Hartford Hospital
per diem Physical Therapist (IRU)
Hartford, CT, USA
2018 - 2019
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare
per diem Physical Therapist (inpatient and outpatient)
Wallingford, CT, USA
2018 - Present
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare
Physical Therapist
Wallingford, CT, USA
2013 - 2018
Selected Publications
Conference Presentation
Social Awareness within Cultural Competence Education among Doctor of Physical Therapy Students
Simaitis, L., Kupczynski, L., Gibson, A.
World Congress on Education, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto, Ontario, Canada (2023)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Effect of backward and forward walking on lower limb strength, balance, and gait in multiple sclerosis: A randomized feasibility trial
Delmastro, H.M., Ruiz, J.A., Simaitis, L.B., Gromisch, E.S., Neto, L.O., Cohen, E.T., Wong, E., Krug, R.J., Lo, A.C
25(2) International Journal of Multiple Sclerosis Care 45-50 March/April (2023)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Establishment of regression-based normative isometric strength values for major lower limb muscle groups in persons with multiple sclerosis
DelMastro, H.M., Simaitis, L.B., Gromisch, E.S., Gomes, K., Ruiz, J.A.
25 Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders 1-8 May (2023)