Sharon Dunn

Dr. Dunn is the Dean of the School of Allied Health Professions and an Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences at LSU Health Shreveport. She earned each of her academic degrees from LSU Health Shreveport: a BS in Physical Therapy in 1987 and a MHS in Clinical Science in 1996, both from the School of Allied Health Professions, and a PhD in Cellular Biology and Anatomy in 2006 from the School of Graduate Studies.

Dr. Dunn's research interests include conservative clinical approaches to the management of common musculoskeletal conditions, such as anterior cruciate ligament injuries and osteoarthritis, and translational research of applied mechanical loading to healing tissue to determine dosing effects on genetic expression (mechanotransduction) and the ultimate functional and biomechanical tissue integrity. Dr. Dunn has previously served on the PT faculty and as program director, teaching professional issues, anatomy, biomechanics, and orthopaedic PT. Her clinical practice is in the area of orthopaedics and sports medicine with a special concentration in the biomechanics of the lower extremity.

Throughout her career, Dr. Dunn has been professionally engaged in efforts to promote public policies to enhance the public’s access to high quality health services and excellence in practice delivery. She is currently serving as president of the American Physical Therapy Association and has significant experience in health policy and collaborative approaches to health delivery. She advocates for a team-based approach and patient-centered management for better health in our communities.