Susan Ventura, PT, Ph.D.

Susan is a physical therapist who is experienced in clinically-based practice, education, and research. Before joining the Northeastern University faculty as the Director of Clinical Education in Physical Therapy, Susan was the owner/operator of a private practice that specialized in the prescription of assistive technology for persons with severe disabilities. During that time, Susan also acted as a consultant reviewer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Medical Assistance, where she participated in a number of initiatives designed to promote legal and ethical practice among medical practitioners and assistive technology suppliers.

As an educator, Susan lends her expertise in the legal, ethical, and psychosocial aspect of care by teaching those portions of the physical therapy curriculum. She is also an active member of the Bouve College Interdisciplinary Committee. The work of this committee is to promote interdisciplinary education, communication, and scholarship across the various health professions. In addition, Susan oversees the clinical education component of the physical therapy curriculum, mentoring graduate students as they move from the academic environment to begin their professional careers.

Susan is the co-author of a textbook entitled, Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care, which has been well-received by readers. The authors are currently in the process of preparing the 2nd edition. This text features thought-provoking case studies and guiding questions to prompt learners to reflect upon important aspects of caregiving, including how their own personal attributes influence their ability to become compassionate providers of care.

Susan earned her PhD in Law, Policy, and Society from Northeastern University. Through her dissertation research, Susan developed a middle-range theory to guide the promotion, support, or improvement of spiritually sensitive care in hospitals. Her work identified important administrative, legal, political, and social considerations related to health professionals working together to address patients' spiritual needs during hospital stays.