Stacie Fruth

Stacie Fruth, PT, DHSc, OCS is a professor and founding chair of the physical therapy department and program director of the doctor of physical therapy program at Western Michigan University. Prior to coming to WMU, Stacie was an associate professor in the Krannert School of Physical Therapy at the University of Indianapolis, serving as chair and program director her final 2 years. Dr. Fruth was awarded the University Teacher of the Year award in 2009 and the University Faculty Achievement award in 2013. She also served on the Executive Committee of the faculty senate for four years, two of which she served as faculty senate president (2013 – 2015).

Dr. Fruth is the author of the textbook Fundamentals of the Physical Therapy Examination: Patient Interview and Tests & Measures, which is currently being used by approximately 20% of DPT programs nationwide. She is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist whose areas of expertise include musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain management. Dr. Fruth has conducted numerous research studies specific to physical therapy practice in the emergency department, all of which have been presented at national and international professional conferences. Her most recent publication on this topic is in Physical Therapy, the profession’s top-tier peer-reviewed journal. While not yet practicing clinically since moving to Michigan, Dr. Fruth’s areas of clinical interest include the emergency department setting as well as pro bono practice.