Christine L. Wells, PT, PhD

• BS in Health, Physical Education and Athletic Training 1985 from West Chester University, PA
• BS in Physical Therapy 1991, Stockton State College, NJ
• MS in Physical Therapy, emphasis on critical care an cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, 1994 University of Pittsburgh, PA
• PhD, in Education, Department of Developmental Movement with minors in Statistics and Research design and Neurocognitive Function, 2002 University of Pittsburgh, PA

Chris L. Wells, PT, PhD, CCS, ATC is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science. Dr. Wells graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Health, Physical Education & Athletic Training from West Chester University in 1985 and a Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy from Stockton State College in 1991. She earned Masters in Physical Therapy with an  emphasis in critical care and cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation in 1994 and was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Department of Developmental Movement from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. Dr. Wells' primary teaching responsibilities within the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science is in the areas of cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology and pathophysiology  and rehabilitation in the acute care setting. Beyond her faculty responsibilities at the University, Dr. Wells, maintains her American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Board Certification as a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist which was earned in 1999.   Dr. Wells also serves as a Clinical Cardiopulmonary Specialist in the Department of Rehabilitation Services at the University of Maryland Medical Center where she primarily delivers patient care in the intensive care setting and assist with program and staff development. Professionally, she is an active member within the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section of the APTA, currently serving as Chair of the Research Committee since 2012. Area of research is in the effects of early rehabilitation and nutrition on patients who are suffering critical illness due to cardiovascular, or pulmonary failure and sepsis. She also collaborates with nursing in the effects of Focus Function Care and early mobility on functional recovery of older adults whom have suffered a traumatic injury or illness.

rehabilitation of critical ill adults, rehabilitation for patients being supported by ventricular assist devices and extracorporeal membranous oxygenators, effects of early rehabilitation and early mobility on functional recovery

Resnick, B, Wells, CL, Galik,E, Holtzman, L, Zhu, S, Gamertsfelder, E, Laidlow T, Boltz, M. Feasibility and Efficiency of Function Focused Care for Orthopedic Trauma Patients. Journal of Trauma Nursing (2016) 23(3), 144-155.

Resnick, B., Galik E., Wells, CL., Boltz, M., Holtzman, L. Optimizing function and physical activity post trauma: Overcoming system and patient challenges. International Journal of Orthopedic and Trauma Nursing 2015 19(4)194-206.

Brotemarkle RA, Resnick B, Michaels K, Morton P, Wells CL. Length of hospital stay and discharge disposition in older trauma patients. Geriatric Nursing. 2015;36(2 Suppl):S3-9.

Resnick, B, Wells, CL, Brotemarkle, BA, Payne, AK. (2014) Exposure to therapy of older patients with trauma and factors that influence provision of therapy. Physical Therapy Journal; 94:40-51.

Wells, CL. (2013) Physical Therapy management of patients with ventricular assist devices: Key considerations for the acute care physical therapist. Physical Therapy Journal; 93: 266-278.