Gary Johnson
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Education
Department: Physical Therapy Education
Email: gjohnson27@elon.edu
Phone number: (336) 278-6417
Professional Expertise
Brief Biography
News & Notes
Education
William Carey University
PhD in Health Education
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Doctor of Physical Therapy
North Carolina Central University
B.S. Athletic Training
Employment History
Elon University
Department of Physical Therapy Education - Assistant Professor: 2025-present
University of NC at Chapel Hill
Doctor of Physical Therapy Division - Adjunct Professor: 2022 - 2025
Duke University School of Medicine
Doctor of Physical Therapy Division - Medical Instructor: 2022 - 2025
Duke University Health Systems
PT/OT Department - Physical Therapist: 2015-2022
Courses Taught
Elon University
DPT 6000 Psychosocial Aspects of Healthcare
DPT 6200 Clinical Imaging
DPT 8200 Advanced Clinical Practice Selective Tracks (Orthopedic Track)
Leadership Positions
Director: Elon University Sports Physical Therapy Residency
Grants Awarded
- 2026 - Elon University Center for Advancement of Teaching and Learning (CATL) Inclusive Teaching Transformation Grant. “AI-Powered Bias Exploration."
- 2026 - Elon University Hultquist Fund Summer Fellowship Teaching Stipend. “From Comparison to Calibration: Leveraging Athlete Norms for ACL Rehabilitation Benchmarks.”
- 2024 - Duke Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Catalyst Grant Team Recipient. “Increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence in Faculty Searches: A Toolkit for Educators and Leaders.”
Publications
- Jochimsen KN, Johnson G, Cope T, et al. From research to practice: barriers to implementation of psychologically informed practice in the sports setting. British Journal of Sports Medicine. Published online February 19, 2026: bjsports-2025-111071. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2025-111071
- Bui, K., Hamilton, D, Johnson, G, Murray, M, Newman, A, Samuelson, J, Troost, L, White, B. (2013, November). Analysis of Psychometrics Regarding Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Outcome Measure [Measurement Instrument]. 2013. https://www.sralab.org/rehabilitation-measures/western-ontario-and-mcmaster-universities-osteoarthritis-index
Presentations
Peer-Reviewed Educational Sessions
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Operacz, R, Hawkins, E, Johnson, G, Virag, B, McGee, J. Bridging the Classroom and the Clinic: Leveraging Emerging Clinicians’ Training to Address Patients’ Social Needs. Combined Sections Meetings of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Anaheim, CA, February 2026.
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Greco, J, Covington, K, Roll M, Johnson, G, Adams, T, Hilton, T. Innovative Research Mentoring: Using a Collaborative Qualitative Project as a Blueprint to Mentor Novice Faculty. Accepted for presentation at the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Education Leadership Conference, Oakland, CA, October 2024.
- Sutowki-Hemstreet, A, Adams, T, Matthews, D, Johnson, G. Integrating Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Content and Practices into Clinical Care Courses. Accepted for presentation at the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Education Leadership Conference, Oakland, CA, October 2024.
- Smith V, Johnson G, Schmidt M, Johnson K. Time to Lean In: Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable. Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), San Antonio, Texas, 2022.
Platform Presentations
- Johnson, G. The Perceptions and Experiences of Underrepresented Minority Faculty in Physical Therapy Education Programs. Combined Sections Meetings of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Anaheim, CA, February 2026.
- Johnson, G, Leiman, E, Waite, K. Harmonizing Healthcare: Integrating Physical Therapy into an Inter-Professional Education Clinic. NEXUS Interprofessional Education Virtual Summit. September 2024.
- Johnson, G, Leiman, E, Waite, K. Collaborative Care: Patient Perspectives on Physical Therapy Integration into an Interprofessional Education Clinic. NEXUS Interprofessional Education Virtual Summit, September 2024.
Poster Presentations
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Ormond Z., Magill, J., Reiman, M., Johnson, G. Isolating Hamstring Strength: The Effect of Pelvic Stabilization on Eccentric Nordic Performance. Combined Sections Meetings of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Anaheim, CA, February 2026.
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Roll M., Johnson, G., Greco, J., Meyers, K., Covington, K., Adams, T. Perceptions of Clinical Education Faculty About Professionalism in Physical Therapy Students. American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Education Leadership Conference, Kansas City, MO, October 2025.
- Johnson, G, Porter, R, Jones, Q, Melvin J, Mesaros, J, Purkal, D, Webb, L. Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion: Transforming Faculty Searches in Physical Therapy Education. Combined Sections Meetings of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Houston, Texas, 2025.
- Johnson, G. Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Involvement in the Duke Interprofessional Education (IPE) Emergency Department Clinic. Duke AHEAD Certificate in Health Professions Education & Teaching Program. Duke University, 2024.
Service Activities
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): Sports, Orthopedic, and Education sections member.
- American Physical Therapy Association of NC (APTA of NC): DEI Committee 2021 - 2024
- American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT): Institution of Teaching and Learning Task Force committee member.
Professional Development
- APTA Board Certified Clinical Specialists in Sports Physical Therapy (2019)
- APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor (2018)
- Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation Certified (2017)
- Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer (2008)
Awards
- APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation Social Responsibility Recognition for CSM Poster Presentation - 2025
- APTA Minority Faculty Development Scholarship Award - 2024