Dr. Kelly Negley

Assistant Professor

Dr. Kelly NegleyTeaching Area

Physical Therapy within the College of Health and Education.

Why did you decide to teach at Marymount?

I am a graduate of Marymount’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. I fell in love with the program because of its sense of community and it really felt like I would become part of a family. I was an adjunct professor for five years while practicing full time at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C. I joined as a full-time professor in 2015. I am a graduate that has never wanted to leave MU!

What got you interested in Physical Therapy?

I was a serious ballerina growing up, and a series of injuries led me to a physical therapy clinic. I remember feeling better when I left the clinic, and it was really powerful to see the relationships that were built there. I knew I wanted to help other people move and feel better in their own bodies. 

What is your area of expertise?

I am a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy. My area of expertise is the evaluation and management of patients in the acute care setting, as well as in the rehabilitation of the neurologically-impaired adult. In particular, I specialize in treating patients with vestibular and facial dysfunction and in making wheelchair and positioning recommendations. 

What courses do you teach?

I am currently teaching the following courses:

  • PT 700: Clinical Neuroscience
  • PT 730: Evaluation and Management of Patients in Acute Care
  • PT 731L: Clinical Applications of Patient Management in Acute Care

Do you practice Physical Therapy as a clinician?

Yes, I do. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to step back from practicing as often, but I have been back to work part time in the acute care setting at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington. While the pandemic has led to some changes, like the use of PPE, our mission is still the same — we want to get our patients well and moving and help them continue on their rehabilitation journey. 

What do you love most about being a professor?

The collaborative experience of working with students on patient cases in our problem-based learning curriculum is my favorite thing about being a professor. Students ask challenging questions that create new perspectives of the content for me. 

What are some of your fondest memories at Marymount?

Some of my fondest memories of my time at Marymount were the ability to act as a faculty chaperone on the DPT third year international service learning trip in Spring 2016 to Costa Rica. The students and I built memories together as we provided physical therapy care and changed the community that we were helping.