Nathan Brown

Nathan Brown is an assistant professor and the Physical Therapy Residency director at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Nathan teaches courses in musculoskeletal physical therapy and clinical reasoning development.

As an ABPTS Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with an educational doctorate (Ed.D.) in educational sustainability, his research focuses on exploring the roles of rural PTs and how well their formal education prepared them for these roles. He hopes to see physical therapists embrace the roles they truly fill, helping integrate further into their communities and make lasting impacts on community wellness. Nathan also has extensive clinical experience working in outpatient settings with particular interest in working with runners for running-related injuries and injury prevention, applying knowledge from his training in lower extremity biomechanics from the Movement Performance Institute. He continues to work with runners through partnership with the UWSP track and cross country teams and through his role with the Pineries Running Lab. 

Regardless of whether he is working with students, patients or conducting research, Nathan’s primary focus is on caring for and supporting the individuals with whom he works. He places high priority on formation of well-rounded individuals and creating human connection in all his endeavors. 

Experience and Interests

Teaching

  • Assistant Professor, UW-Stevens Point Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) (2026-present)
  • Clinical Assistant Professor, UW-Stevens Point Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) (2024-2026)
  • Clinical Assistant, UW-Stevens Point Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) (2022-2023)

Professional Experience

  • UWSP DPT Running Clinic (2024-present)
  • Lab Director, Pineries Running Lab (2022-present)
  • Physical Therapist, Roberts Physical Therapy (2022-present)
  • Senior Contributor, Doctors of Running (2019-present)
  • Physical Therapist, Point Forward Physical Therapy (2016-2022)

Research Interests

  • The role of physical therapists in rural healthcare
  • Educational sustainability in physical therapy education
  • Running footwear design and running injury rehabilitation

Presentations and Publications

Presentations

  • Brown, N., Strickland M.R., Krasovich, J., Ecker, D., Rowen, C., McCarty, H., Mizgalski, J. Pathways to Practice: Navigating the Transition from the Classroom to the Clinic.APTA Wisconsin Spring Conference, April 2026.
  • Brennan, K., Bourné, B., Jumbeck, J., Kaegi, L., Brown, N. When Swimmers Jump: A Case Study on Enhancing Performance and Symmetry through Targeted Plyometric Exercise.Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, February 2025.
  • Brown, N., Zalewski, K. Embracing the Primary Care Physical Therapist Role: Learning from Rural Wisconsin Physical Therapists [Conference presentation]. APTA Wisconsin Fall Conference, October 2025.
  • Brown, N., Akins, T., Zalewski, K. Sustainable Approaches to Advancing Health Equity for Rural Populations Through Physical Therapy Professions Education [Poster presentation]. Universities of Wisconsin Sustainability Summit, September 2024.
  • Brown N., Lewis M., Zalewski K. A Roadmap to Sustainability: Introducing the key competencies in sustainability to physical therapy professional education [Poster presentation]. Educational Leadership Conference, October 2023.
  • Brown N, Zarzycki R, Snyder-Mackler, L. Hop test performance and quadriceps strength are not associated with knee confidence, emotions, or risk appraisal during the return-to-sport phase of rehabilitation [Platform presentation]. Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, February 2017.
  • Breidenbach F, Shipley J, Brown N, Schmitt L. Treatment of lumbar plexopathy secondary to shingles [Poster presentation]. Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, February 2016.

Publications

  • Brown, N., Zalewski, K., Lewis, M. Community integration as a key role of the rural primary care physical therapist: a qualitative case study. Physical Therapy, Volume 106, Issue 7, July 2026, pzag065, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzag065
  • Brown, N. (2025) Perceptions of physical therapists and rural patient care. [Doctoral dissertation, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point]. Minds@UW. https://minds.wisconsin.edu/handle/1793/95069

Involvement

Professional Service

  • APTA Wisconsin Professional Development Committee member
  • APTA Combined Sections Meeting Education Section Abstract Reviewer

Professional Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Member (2014-present)
  • APTA-Wisconsin Member and Orthopedic Section Member (2014-present)

Fun Facts

Last book you read?

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Teaching in the UWSP DPT program is highly relational, and I get to know so many amazing students each year. It’s a privilege to walk alongside students for 2.5 years to encourage them in their strengths and facilitate growth toward their personal and professional goals.

A piece of advice for students in your school?

Your perspective and skills are valuable. Being confident in your strengths and knowledgeable of your areas for growth can go a long way in your development as a physical therapist.