Steinbarger, Kimberly, PT, MHSc, DHSc
Biography
Dr. Kimberly Steinbarger, PT, MHS, DHSc, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Husson University and a recognized leader in rheumatology-focused rehabilitation. She earned her Doctor of Health Science from Drexel University, her Master of Health Science from the University of Indianapolis, and her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, from Daemen College.
Dr. Steinbarger brings more than three decades of clinical, academic, and administrative experience to her work. She currently serves as Director of Soaring Eagles Healthcare, Husson University’s student-run pro bono clinic, which she founded and developed into an integrated experiential learning model that provides significant community impact while offering extensive student leadership and clinical opportunities.
Her areas of teaching and expertise include health and wellness, primary health care, and therapeutic skills. Clinically and academically, Dr. Steinbarger specializes in rheumatic and autoimmune conditions, fatigue management, health promotion, and interprofessional care. She is a licensed physical therapist in the state of Maine and has held licensure in multiple states.
Dr. Steinbarger is an active scholar with contributions to national clinical practice guidelines, including authorship on the 2022 American College of Rheumatology guideline for exercise, rehabilitation, diet, and integrative interventions for rheumatoid arthritis. Her scholarship spans peer-reviewed publications, national and regional presentations, and invited works in outlets such as The Rheumatologist. Her current research focuses on disease self-management, fatigue in chronic disease, and innovative models of care delivery, including mobile clinics in rural communities.
Nationally, Dr. Steinbarger is deeply engaged with the American College of Rheumatology, where she presently serves as the Secretary on the Association of Rheumatology Professionals Executive Committee, and contributes to initiatives in education, quality of care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her work has been recognized through multiple awards and grants, including the Husson Global Scholar Award and research exchange support from international rheumatology organizations.
Through her teaching, scholarship, and service, Dr. Steinbarger is committed to advancing physical therapy education, improving access to care in underserved populations, and promoting evidence-based, patient-centered approaches to health and wellness.
"Education is not filling a pail, it's lighting a fire."(William Yeats) I couldn't say it any better myself! My hope is that students catch my enthusiasm during class and lab, and carry that fire into the clinical setting.
Research
Current Research:
American College of Rheumatology, Clinical Practice Guideline: Physical, Psychosocial,
Mind-body, and Nutritional Interventions for RA: An Integrative Approach to Treatment (Formerly: Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis) Clinical Practice Guideline – Literature review team, publication anticipated by the beginning of 2023
Dissertation Research: Successful Living with Arthritis: An Innovative
Disease Self – Management Program Based on Self-Determination
PREVIOUS RESEARCH:
Steinbarger, K., Bednarz, C., Boucher, C., Gray, J., Lobley, E. DPT Students As Teachers: Effect of DPT Student-Lead Education on PTA Student Clinical Readiness. Accepted for a Poster presentation 2021 APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Virtual Conference, 2021.
Steinbarger, K., LaPrino, S., Howland, K. Physical therapist and occupational therapist student online interprofessional discussion board: Integration of the IPEC core competencies into clinical education. Poster presentation 2019 APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Washington DC, February, 2019.
Fitzgerald, C., Riley, E., Cesario, C., Steinbarger, K. Advancing the Knowledge Transfer System via Social Media: Collaboration Between Academic and Clinical Educators. Poster presentation 2018 APTA Combined Sections Meeting, New Orleans, LA, February, 2018.
Steinbarger, K., Morren, K., Goulet, K., Knecht, S., Moscone, M., Nicastro, E. Pro bono clinic management and utilization within physical therapist education programs in the United States. Poster presentation 2018 APTA Combined Sections Meeting, New Orleans, LA, February, 2018.
Steinbarger, K., Morren, K., Frankinburger, M., Gurrette, D., Gurrette, K., Hardy, E., Lawrence, K., Shink, B. The effect of participation in a student-run pro bono clinic on first clinical performance assessment scores. Poster presentation 2016 Husson University Research and Scholarship Day, Bangor ME, April 2016, Maine APTA meeting April 2016.