Katie Stevermer, Des Moines University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Catherine (Katie) Stevermer, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Additional Roles
Physical Therapist (limited availability), Physical Therapy Clinic

Areas of Expertise

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Catherine (Katie) Stevermer is an associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Des Moines University. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Iowa State University and a Masters of Physical Therapy degree from The University of Iowa. After practicing full-time in outpatient orthopedics and aquatics at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Dr. Stevermer earned a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Iowa State University. She also completed a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Arcadia University. Her current research focuses on using biomechanical and clinical measures to quantify postural stability and to evaluate movement patterns during functional tasks such as sit-to-stand and stair negotiation in older adults and individuals with musculoskeletal pathology. Dr. Stevermer is a board certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy and a Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults awarded by the American Physical Therapy Association’s Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. Her teaching responsibilities include motor behavior, functional mobility, clinical decision-making, and evidence-based practice content at Des Moines University.

Area of Expertise

  • Geriatric Orthopedics
  • Biomechanics
  • Motor Control
  • Clinical Decision Making
  • Clinical Practice: Outpatient – Geriatrics, Fall Prevention

Professional Organizations, Committees and Boards

  • Alpha Eta Honor Society
  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • Iowa Physical Therapy Association, board member
  • International Society for Posture and Gait Research

Service

Professional

  • Higher Learning Commission – Peer Corps Reviewer
  • Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy – State of Iowa Advocate, Research Committee
  • APTA Section on Research – Awards Committee
  • Iowa Physical Therapy Association – SW District Chair, Director
  • Reviewer – Gait & Posture; Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, Physiotherapy Theory & Practice

University

  • Department of PT Program Academic Progress Committee (Chair)
  • Department of PT Curriculum Committee
  • Department of PT Admissions Committee
  • Research Program Mentor
  • Rank, Promotion and Tenure Committee (Co-Chair)
  • Assessment Advisory Committee
  • Student Learning Assessment Committee
  • Academic Logistics and Planning Team (Chair)
  • Educational Resources Committee
  • Faculty Leadership Council
  • Graduate Council (Chair)
  • College of Health Sciences Faculty Chair
  • College of Health Sciences Bylaws & Nominating Committee (Chair)

Community

  • Iowa Senior Games
  • DMU Senior Health Fair
  • Back-to-School Physicals
  • Balance & Beyond events

Education:
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA
Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Masters of Physical Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Bachelor of Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Certifications:
Geriatric Certified Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
Certified Exercise Expert for the Aging Adult, Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
Credentialed Clinical Instructor, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Physical Therapist, State of Iowa

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