Associate Professor (CHS)
nelson3@pt.wisc.edu
+16082654682
Health Sciences Learning Center
- Duke University School of Medicine – DPT
- University of Wisconsin Institute for Clinical and Translational Research – PhD
Bio
Evan O. Nelson, PT, DPT, PhD (he/him/his) is a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy at UW-Madison University Health Services whose practice experience spans multiple sports and orthopedic clinical settings.
Dr. Nelson was principally involved in developing the University of Wisconsin Running Injury & Recovery Index (UWRI) as a novel, evaluative, running-specific patient-reported outcome measure. This influential tool has been implemented in research and clinical practice around the world.
As a member of the University of Wisconsin sport specialization working group, he contributed to developing the Wisconsin Sport Specialization Questionnaire (WISSQ) to more accurately measure sport specialization in youth athletes. Dr. Nelson has also been involved in projects evaluating implementation of direct referral for diagnostic imaging studies into routine clinical practice.
He is a primary instructor for Clinical Medicine in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and provides guest lectures on a variety of physical therapy-related topics in UW School of Medicine and Public Health classes. Dr. Nelson also regularly provides continuing education seminars and workshops about how to integrate diagnostic imaging into routine physical therapy care.
Clinical Interests
Dr. Nelson’s clinical interests include signing radiograph imaging referrals, direct access patient care, spinal manipulation, and interdisciplinary care collaboration.
Research Interests
Dr. Nelson is motivated to conduct research that directly benefits patients. He sought training through the UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (UW ICTR) to develop the skills to conduct research that includes patient perspective due to the importance of patient-centered multidisciplinary care. Blending his clinical experience with research desire led to developing patient-reported outcome measures to assess the impact of injuries and conditions on people’s lives.
Publications and Presentations
Awards and Honors
- 2021 Legacy Fund New Investigator Award – American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy
- 2020 Excellence in Research Award – American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy
- 2019 Mentor of the Year – American Physical Therapy Association Wisconsin
Search Directory