Profiles In Leadership

Rupal M Patel, PT, PhD is an Associate Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Houston, Texas. Dr. Patel received her PhD in Health Promotion and Wellness from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah in 2016, her MS in PT from TWU in Houston in 1991 and her BS in PT and biology from TWU in Denton in 1990. Her research streams include reduce risk factors for diabetes among an at-risk population, social and structural determinants of health and their impact on rehabilitation outcomes, factors influencing health behaviors among populations, and issues related to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in physical therapy. Besides her DPT teaching responsibilities, Dr. Patel also mentors PhD students during their didactic and dissertation phases. Service is part of Dr. Patel's life work and passion. She has been an active member of the APTA since 1988 and has served in various roles at the component and national level over the past 30 years.  She w