Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Oakland University
Bachelor of Science (BS), Central Michigan University
Certifications/Fellowships:
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)
Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS)
Certified Fall Prevention Specialist (CFPS)
Certified Functional Nutrition Informed Professional (CFNIP)
Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP)
Dr. Amy Doepker is an Assistant Professor in Marian University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, bringing extensive clinical specialization—as a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist and certified stroke, pain, and integrative medicine practitioner—directly into the classroom. She leverages high-acuity problem-based learning and active instructional designs to create inclusive, adaptable learning environments tailored to modern health professions students.
Dr. Doepker brings nearly two decades of clinical physical therapy experience across inpatient, home health, and outpatient settings, with advanced specialization in neurologic and pelvic health rehabilitation. With over five years of graduate-level teaching and doctoral student mentorship, Dr. Doepker has served as a guest lecturer, an adjunct faculty member at Western Michigan University, and a Teaching Assistant with the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. Her administrative and clinical leadership includes founding and chairing the Clinical Education Excellence Committee and leading pediatric pelvic health initiatives at Oaklawn Hospital. Nationally, Dr. Doepker contributes to the profession as a Program Reviewer for the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and as an item writer for the Neurologic Specialty Examination.
Courses & Tracks Taught:
Integrative Clinical Practice Track (Course Co-coordinator)
Professional Identity Formation Track (Course Co-coordinator)
Neurologic Practice
Complex Multi-System Clinical Reasoning
Professional Behaviors
Research Interests: Neuromuscular mechanics and multi-diaphragm integration of the torso, specifically investigating the interplay between the vocal folds, respiratory diaphragm, and pelvic floor (Voice to Pelvic Floor framework). Her scholarship also addresses clinical pedagogy, health systems equity, interprofessional workflows, and student well-being within health professions programs. Active projects include multi-institutional collaboration evaluations of pelvic physical therapy differential diagnosis for complex postpartum conditions, as well as tracking food, housing, and financial security metrics across DPT cohorts.
Selected Presentations and Publications:
Doepker, A. K., & Fruth, S. J. (2024, October 31–November 3). Differential diagnosis and treatment of hypothesized vagal nerve irritation causing variably disabling eructation over a 12-year postpartum period: A case report [Poster presentation]. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Conference, Dallas, TX, United States.
Fruth, S. J., Weir, R., Doepker, A.K., & Weeks, B. M. (2026, October 16–18). Assessment of first-year DPT student food, housing, and financial situations across the first year of the DPT program [Platform Presentation]. APTA Educational Leadership Conference (ELC), Washington, DC, United States.
Awards and Honors:
Neurological Rehabilitation Excellence Award, Oakland University (2010)
Edward Tracy Community Service Excellence Award, Oakland University (2010)
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) Program Reviewer (2022–present)
Specialization Academy of Content Experts Item Writer for Neurologic Specialty Examination (2025–present)
Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute Teaching Assistant (2021–present)
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Member (2010–present)
Michigan and Indiana Chapters
Education, Neurology, and Pelvic Health Sections
Stroke, Brain Injury, and Pregnancy/Post-Partum Special Interest Groups
APTA Michigan Chapter Early Professional Mentor (2024–2026)
Clinical Education Excellence Committee Founder & Chair, Oaklawn Hospital (2019–2023)
Pediatric Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Program Organizer, Oaklawn Hospital (2019–2023)
Healing Tamar Support Group for Women with a History of Sexual Trauma, St. Philip Catholic Church (2023–2026)
Healing Ministry, St. Philip Catholic Church (2023–2026)
Religious Education Teacher, St. Philip Catholic Church (2018–2022)
The Christmas Store Volunteer, St. John Hospital and Medical Center (2011–2013)
Bay Cliff Health Camp Volunteer (2008–2009)
Special Olympics of Michigan Volunteer (2004–2007)
S. June Smith Center Foundation Volunteer (2004–2007)
A recent arrival to the area from Michigan, Dr. Doepker brings a strong passion for continuous learning, wellness, and the arts to her life outside the university. She spends her free time exploring local culture, lap swimming, traveling, and expressing her creativity through writing, cooking, and baking. An enthusiast of both the performing arts and live sports, she regularly attends theater productions and actively participates in fantasy hockey. Her life is centrally anchored by her Catholic faith, prayer, and active fellowship.
