Residential Pathway Faculty

Dawn Magnusson PT, PhD

Associate Professor Section Director of Student Affairs, DPT-MPH Dual Degree Track Director

Physical Therapy (SOM)
Core Faculty

View CU Medicine Profile

Mailing Address:

CU Anschutz

Education II South

13121 East 17th Avenue

3125

Aurora, CO 80045

Areas of Expertise

Population Health, Pediatric Health Services Research, Health Disparities Research, Health Equity, Community-Based Participatory Research

Education, Licensure & Certifications

University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI
PhD, Population Health Sciences, 2014
Minor: Cultural Anthropology

University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI
Capstone Certificate, Global Health, 2012

University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI
MS, Physical Therapy, 2000

Lawrence University, Appleton, WI
BA, Biology, 1995

Licensure Information/Registration Number
Colorado: 0016918 (Exp. 10/31/2024)

Resumes/CV:

CAPTE CV_Magnusson_20250101

Research

Research Profile

Funded/In Review Grant Activity:

Ongoing Support

Colorado Maternal and Child Health Cooperative Agreement 2022-2275, 09/01/2022 – 08/31/2026
Role: Co-Investigator
Screening for Developmental, Social, and Emotional Concerns among Young Children. This project seeks to address the developmental, social, and emotional needs of children (and their families) by 1) increasing the number of pediatric and family medicine practices implementing Healthy Steps, 2) enhancing screening processes, and 3) improving family engagement. ($94,200)

Zero to Three (U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration), 07/01/2023 – 06/30/2027
Role: Research Consultant
Early Childhood Developmental Health Systems – Implementation Site. The purpose of this project is to advance statewide systems of comprehensive early childhood developmental promotion, screening, and intervention that improve outcomes and reduce disparities for children experiencing poverty. ($1.5M)

Publications and Presentations

Scholarly Agenda

Dr. Magnusson's employs community-engaged research methods within a population health framework to understand the mechanisms underlying disparities in health outcomes and inform the development of innovative, community-based solutions that advance health equity for traditionally underserved communities.

Within the last five years
Peer Reviewed Publications

Boncella KL, Oranchuk DJ, Gonzalez-Rivera D, Sawyer EE, Magnusson DM, Harris-Love MO. What is Muscle Health? A Narrative Review and Conceptual Framework. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025;10(4):367

Magnusson DM, Judd D, Ambler S, Magee J, Collins P, Kuba E, Bilyeu C. Meeting the Health Needs of Society through Curricular Innovation in PT Education: Examples from 3 Entry-Level Programs. JOPTE. 2025:39(1);25-32.

Magnusson DM. Health Disparities in Rehabilitation: Part 1 - Education. Phys Ther. 2024;104(9)

Magnusson DM. Health Disparities in Rehabilitation: Part 2 - Practice and Research. Phys Ther. 2024;104(10)

Anderson CB, Fatone S, Manago MM, Swink LA, Kittelson AJ, Magnusson DM, Christiansen CL. Development and alpha testing of a patient shared decision aid for prosthesis design for new lower limb prosthesis users. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2024;19 (Online ahead of print)

Davenport TE, Lee AC, Raja B, Stark ML, Reed C, Magnusson DM. Educational competencies for telehealth physical therapy: Results of a modified Delphi process. Work. 2024;79(3):1531

Ollerenshaw LV, McManus B, Rapport MJ, Perraillon M, Murphy NJ, Magnusson DM. An analysis of interagency collaboration: Lessons learned from Colorado’s Early Intervention Program. Child: Care, Health, and Development. 2024:50e13210 (Online ahead of Print)

Davenport TE, Griech SF, Van de Carr T, Rethorn ZD, Magnusson DM. Social power and the movement system: Why and how physical therapists might influence the upstream currents of health. Phys Ther. 2023:103(7):pzad052

Claus D, Graganich C, Berliner J, Niehaus W, Berliner J, Magnusson DM, Smith AC. Needs of an uninsured, equity-deserving minority patient cohort with physical disabilities during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Science. 2023;17(4):ePub

Anderson CB, Fatone S, Mañago MM, Swink LA, Hager ER, Kittelson AJ, Christiansen CL, Magnusson DM. Improving shared decision-making for prosthetic care: A qualitative needs assessment of prosthetists and new lower-limb prosthesis users. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2023;47(1):26-42

Anderson CB, Kittelson AJ, Wurdeman SR, Miller MJ, Stoneback JW, Christiansen CL, Magnusson DM. Understanding decision-making in prosthetic rehabilitation by prosthetists and people with lower limb amuputation: A qualitative study. Disabil Rehabil. 2023:45(4); 723-32.

Murphy N, Ollerenshaw L, Magnusson DM. Caregiver Health Beliefs Associated with Use of Pediatric Therapy Services among Children with Special Health Care Needs. MCHJ. 2022;26(11):2254-62

Tatta J, Nijs J, Elma O, Malfliet A, Magnusson DM. The Critical Role of Nutrition Care to Improve Pain Management: A Global Call to Action for Physical Therapist Practice. Physical Therapy. 2022;102(4):pzaqb296

Magnusson DM, Rethorn Z. Strengthening Population Health Perspectives in Physical Therapist Practice Using Epigenetics. Physical Therapy. 2022;102(1):pzab244

Dunleavy K, Mejia-Downs A, Green-Guerrero H, Wentzell E, Rucker VM, Davenport TE, Magnusson DM. Embedding Population Health in Physical Therapist Professional Education. Physical Therapy. 2022;102(1):pzab238

Magnusson DM, Shwayder I, Murphy N, Ollerenshaw L, Ebendick M, Auer-Bennett E. Creation of a community-driven decision tool for caregivers of children with developmental concerns. American J Speech-Language Pathology. 2022;31(3):1084-94

Hartman JA, Magnusson DM. International Experiences in Physical Therapist Education: A Descriptive Study. Journal of Physical Therapy Education. 2021;35(1):75-82

Rethorn ZD, Davenport TE, Maxwell JL, Bradford EH, Bezner JR, Ingman MS, Magnusson DM. What are DPT Program Practices and Attitudes Related to Health Promotion and Wellness? Results of a National Survey. Physical Therapy. Physical Therapy. 2021;101(1):178

Miller M, Morris M, Magnusson DM, Putnam K, Cook P, Schenkman M, Christianson C. Psychosocial factors influence physical activity after dysvascular amputation: a convergent mixed-methods study. PM&R – The Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation. 2021;13(7):737-45

Miller M, Cook P, Magnusson DM, Morris M, Blatchford P, Schenkman M, Christianson C. Self-efficacy and social support are associated with disability for ambulatory prosthesis users after lower limb-amputation. PM&R – The Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation. 2021; 13(5):453-60

Peer Reviewed Scientific and Professional Presentations

Elrod M, Magnusson DM, Pak S, Ratoza M, Vreeman D. (February 2024) The Data Dictionary for Health Equity: Determinants of Health in Rehabilitation through an Informatics Lens. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. Boston, MA

Magnusson DM. (February 2024) PTJ Special Issue Preview: Addressing Health Disparities in Physical Therapist Practice. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. Boston, MA

Anderson CB, Fatone S, Mañago MM, Swink LA, Kittelson AJ, Magnusson DM, Christiansen CL. (September 2023) Engaging stakeholders in the development of a shared-decision-making resource for the first prosthesis design after lower limb amputation. American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Annual Conference [Platform Session]. Chicago, IL.

Anderson CB, Fatone S, Mañago MM, Swink LA , Kittelson AJ, Magnusson DM, Christiansen, CL. (March 2023) Development and Alpha Testing of a Patient Shared Decision Aid for Prosthesis Design After Lower Limb Amputation. International Society of Orthotists and Prosthetists, 19th World Congress [Platform Presentation]. Guadalajara, Mexico.

Magnusson DM, Chevan J, Downs S, Meija-Downs A, Pak SS, Wilkinson SG. (February 2023) Health Informatics in PT Education: Why, What, and How? American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. San Diego, CA.

Magnusson DM, Brothers S, Dawkins B, Drummond M, Millar D, Onifade OW, Terrazaz S, Tooles J, Van Hoose L, Pechak C. (February 2023) Social Justice Leadership Catalyst Talks. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. Sand Diego, CA.

Wentzell E, Davenport TE, Dunleavy K, Meija-Downs A, Rucker-Bussie VM, Green-Guerrero H, Magnusson DM. (February 2023) Population Health in PT Professional Education: Activities for the Classroom and Clinic. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Preconference Workshop]. San Diego, CA.

Magnusson DM, Dannemiller L, Judd D, Pascoe M, Rodriguez J. (October 2022) Better Together: Optimizing Student Experiences through a Holistic Approach to Student Well-Being. Educational Leadership Conference [Educational Session]. Milwaukee, WI.

Anderson CB, Fatone S, Manago MM, Swink LA, Kittelson AJ, Magnusson DM, Christiansen CL. (October 2022) Utilizing a novel patient roadmap for developing a shared decision support tool. Society for Medical Decision-Making Annual Meeting [Poster Presentation]. Seattle, WA.

Colorado Health Symposium: The Power of Connection. (September 2022). Role = Chair, Planning Committee.

Magnusson DM, Van der Carr T. (April 2022) Transforming Society: The Role of PT in Population Health. Ohio Physical Therapy Association Meeting [Educational Session]. Columbus, OH

Magnusson DM, Dannemiller L, Bilyeu C, Streussel T, Salinas G, Lorimer I, Mosely O. (March 2022) Community Trees: Addressing Social and Structural Determinants of Health through a Community of Learning Cases. University of Colorado Medical Educators Symposium [Poster Presentation]. Denver, CO.

Anderson CB, Magnusson DM, Fatone S, Swink LA, Manago MM, Kittelson AJ, Christiansen CL. (March 2022) Shared decision-making for first prosthesis design. American Academy of Prosthetists and Orthotists Conference [Poster Presentation]. Virtual.

Magnusson DM, Barnes CA, Davenport TE, Kabia F, Kennedy K, Mitchell M, VanHoose L. (February 2022) Decolonizing Physical Therapist Practice, Education, and Research. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. San Antonio, TX

Lobo MA, Franklin KA, Orlando JM, Santa S, Singh S, Magnusson DM. (February 2022) Putting Family at the Center of Family-Centered Care: Parent and Clinician Perspectives and Communication Strategies. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. San Antonio, TX.

Jensen GM, Nordstrom TM, Hack L, Piemonte N, Richardson-Blanton S, Magnusson DM, Mostrom E. (October 2021) Exploring Connections between Habits of Health and Health: Re-Imagining PT Education. Educational Leadership Conference [Educational Session]. Atlanta, GA.

Anderson CB, Fatone S, Manago MM, Swink LA, Hager ER, Kittelson AJ, Christiansen CL, Magnusson DM. (September 2021) Patient Needs for Shared Decisions in Lower-Limb Prosthesis Design. American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association National Assembly [Platform Presentation]. Virtual

Magnusson DM, Bezner JR, Davenport TE, Fletcher JC, Mejia-Downs A, Patel RM, Rethorn Z. (February 2021) Integrating Population Health, Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Competencies within Physical Therapist Professional Education Programs. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. Virtual

Magnusson DM, Rethorn Z, Cook CE. (February 2021) Population Health Management and Precision Medicine in Orthopedics: Strange Bedfellows or Natural Companions? American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. Educational Session. Virtual.

Magnusson DM, Kennedy VK, Emerson AJ, Black JD. (February 2021) Pro Bono Services – For the Public Good? American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. Virtual.

Magnusson DM, Mitchell MA, Jones MA, Lammers KM, Dietrich MEJ. (February 2021) Pediatric Physical Therapy Advocacy: How Every Pediatric PT/PTA Can Support Children and Families. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. Virtual.

Magnusson DM. (November 2020) Forging a Path toward Socially Responsible Physical Therapist Practice. APTA National Student Conclave [Educational Session]. Virtual.

Magnusson DM, Berner P. (November 2020) Talking with Children and Parents about Nutrition – Why, What, and How. Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference [Educational Session]. Virtual.

Magnusson DM, Bezner J, Fletcher JC, Mejia-Downs A, Patel R, Rethorn Z. (October 2020) Integrating Population Health, Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Competencies within Physical Therapist Professional Education Programs. Education Leadership Conference [Educational Session]. Virtual.

Magnusson DM and Auer-Bennett E. (March 2020) The Power of Connections: Engaging Parents in Meaningful Conversations about Developmental Screening and Early Intervention. Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs [Educational Session]. Washington, DC.

Magnusson DM, Bullock DD, Milligan ML, Tillman RC. (February 2020) Better Together in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Transforming Society through Equitable Policies. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. Denver, CO.

Weatherford JT, Stilphen MS, Friedman MA, Caldwell TJ, Hunter SJ, Tompkins J, Flesch P, Martin MD, Magnusson DM. (February 2020) Health System Current Topics, Strategies, and Innovations. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Preconference Workshop]. Denver, CO.

Miller MJ, Morris MA, Magnusson DM, Putnam K, Cook PF, Schenkman ML, Christiansen CL. (February 2020) Mechanisms of greater physical activity after dysvascular amputation: a convergent mixed-methods study. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Platform Presentation]. Denver, CO.

LeDoux CV, Stutzbach JA, Jansen ML, Magnusson DM, Stevens-Lapsley JE. (February 2020) Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in Sedentary Adults with Total Knee Arthroplasty. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Platform Presentation]. Denver, CO.

Magnusson DM, Davenport T, Brach J, Danilovich M, Greenhagen S, Robinson J. (January 2019) Community Health Promotion Grant Writing Workshop. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Preconference Workshop]. Washington, DC.

Beckel C, Magnusson DM, Hartman J. (January 2019) Applying Proposed Guidelines for International Clinical Education. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. Washington, DC.

Landry M, Keyser L, Raman S, Magnusson DM. (January 2019) The Great Convergence: Global Health, Disability, and Rehabilitation. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. Washington, DC.

Editorials

Magnusson DM. Health Disparities in Rehabilitation – Practice and Research Focus. Physical Therapy Journal. 2024;104(10):pzae143

Magnusson DM. Health Disparities in Rehabilitation – Education Focus. Physical Therapy Journal. 2024; 104(9):pzae111.

Invited Book Chapters

Magnusson DM, Davenport. Population Health and Health Equity. In Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 7^th Edition. Edited by Walter Frontera. Wolters Kluwer Health (Under Review).

Magnusson DM, Keyser L. Social Determinants of Health and Disease. In Integrative Lifestyle Medicine in Physical Therapy. Edited by Ginger Garner and Joe Tatta. Minneapolis, MN: Garner and Tatta, 2022.

Magnusson DM, Khetani M. Early Intervention. In: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, 6^th Edition. Edited by Heidi Feldman, Ellen Roy, Jathan Blum, Manuel Jimenez, and Terry Stancin. Saunders, 2022.

Invited Articles and Reviews

Magnusson DM. Education as a Social Determinant of Health. (Summer 2022). APTA Home Health Quarterly Report.

Press Articles

Jacqueline Conciatore. Addressing Health Disparities in Physical Therapist Care. APTA Magazine. August 1, 2024.

Sarah Carr. Black and Latino infants and toddlers often miss out on early therapies they need. The Hechinger Report. March 7, 2023.

Sarah Carr. Why children of color aren’t getting the therapy some need. USA Today. March 7, 2023.

Scientific and Professional Presentations

Peer Reviewed

Magnusson DM, George S, Hicks G, Prusynski R, Tovin M, Young D, Van der Wees P. (February 2026) Behind the Red Ink: Demystifying Peer Review and Empowering Emerging Scholars. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. Anaheim, TX.

Magnusson DM, Mitchell M (October 2025) Social Needs Screening and Response Programs in Pediatric Settings. American Physical Therapy Association – Academy of Pediatrics Fall Conference [Educational Session]. Colorado Springs, CO

Logan J, Webster L, Bilyeu C, Magnusson DM. (October 2025) Development of an Innovative Integrated Clinical Education Model Addressing PTs Broader Role in Society. Educational Leadership Conference [Platform Session]. Kansas City, MO

Magnusson DM, Hull B, Myers A, Aguila M, Aguila B, Shelton R. (February 2025) Social Needs Screening and Response Programs across Rehabilitation Settings. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. Houston, TX

Elrod M, Magnusson DM, Pak S, Ratoza M, Vreeman D. (February 2024) The Data Dictionary for Health Equity: Determinants of Health in Rehabilitation through an Informatics Lens. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. Boston, MA

Magnusson DM. (February 2024) PTJ Special Issue Preview: Addressing Health Disparities in Physical Therapist Practice. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting [Educational Session]. Boston, MA

Anderson CB, Fatone S, Mañago MM, Swink LA, Kittelson AJ, Magnusson DM, Christiansen CL. (September 2023) Engaging stakeholders in the development of a shared-decision-making resource for the first prosthesis design after lower limb amputation. American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Annual Conference [Platform Session]. Chicago, IL.

Anderson CB, Fatone S, Mañago MM, Swink LA , Kittelson AJ, Magnusson DM, Christiansen, CL. (March 2023) Development and Alpha Testing of a Patient Shared Decision Aid for Prosthesis Design After Lower Limb Amputation. International Society of Orthotists and Prosthetists, 19^th World Congress [Platform Presentation]. Guadalajara, Mexico.