Education
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Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), University of Indianapolis
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Bachelor of Science (BS), Athletic Training, University of Indianapolis
Certifications/Fellowships:
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Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
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Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), Board of Certification, Inc.
Biography
Dr. Matthew Zaudtke, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Marian University. His clinical and academic interests include orthopedic and sports physical therapy, clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, return to sport, health promotion, and the development of evidence-informed models of care.
Dr. Zaudtke brings more than a decade of experience in orthopedic physical therapy, sports rehabilitation, clinical education, and post-professional residency training. He completed an accredited orthopedic physical therapy residency through the University of Wisconsin before becoming a Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist. He later served as clinical coordinator and program director of the Body One Physical Therapy/University of Indianapolis Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency, where he was involved in curriculum development, instruction, assessment, and resident mentorship. He has continued this work as faculty, primary mentor, and senior instructor within the PT Solutions Orthopedic Residency Program. His clinical experience includes the management of musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions, return-to-sport decision making, differential diagnosis and medical screening, exercise prescription, concussion management, and complex orthopedic rehabilitation.
Teaching
Courses & Tracks Taught:
Research and Scholarship
Research Interests:
Improving the delivery and integration of musculoskeletal rehabilitation services, particularly for adolescent and collegiate athletic populations. Through this evaluation, he seeks to understand models that would improve communication, continuity of care, return-to-sport outcomes, and long-term athlete health. His broader scholarly interests include implementation and health-services research, evidence-informed orthopedic practice, clinical reasoning, health promotion, and physical therapy education.
Selected Presentations and Educational Sessions:
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Zaudtke M. Post-Graduate PT Residency/Fellowship? I Thought I Was Done Learning. APTA Indiana Student Conclave; 2019.
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Residency and Fellowship Education. Lecture Series, Indiana University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program; 2018–2022.
Awards and Honors:
Professional Service and Affiliations
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Treasurer, APTA Indiana Board of Directors (2018–2023)
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New Professional Representative, APTA Indiana Board of Directors (2018)
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Founding contributor to the APTA Indiana New Professional Special Interest Group
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Committee Member, APTA Indiana Nominating Committee, Central District (2016–2017)
Community & Public Engagement
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Development and support of sports medicine and rehabilitation services in collaboration with Zionsville Youth Soccer Association/Union FC
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Guest Lecturer, PrimeLife Enrichment, Carmel, Indiana (2016–2018)
Personal Info
Dr. Zaudtke enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends, including his wife, Rachel, and their three daughters. He enjoys visiting parks, walking, doing home projects and watching his children’s activities. During football season he can be found cheering for the Minnesota Vikings.
Dr. Zaudtke’s approach to teaching, clinical practice, and mentorship is grounded in building meaningful relationships and helping others pursue personal and professional growth. He values curiosity, dependability, collaboration, and lifelong learning and seeks to bring those principles to his work with students, patients, colleagues, and community partners.
