Derek Clewley, DPT, PhD

Derek Clewley Photo
Assistant Director, Duke Center of Excellence in Manual and Manipulative Therapy; Assistant Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery

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Dr. Clewley’s area of expertise and training is in orthopaedics and manual physical therapy. He has achieved board certification in orthopaedics and is recognized as a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists.

He has a PhD with primary research interests including dry needling, manual physical therapy, and pain sciences. Dr. Clewley has extensive experience in the development of continuing education, residency, and fellowship post-graduate training programs.


Education

  • PhD, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
  • DPT, Shenandoah University, 2007
  • MS PT, University of Montana, 2002
  • BS, University of Montana, 2000

Teaching

  • PT 743B Manual Therapy I APC
  • PT 743A Manual Therapy II APC
  • PT 743C Ortho Exercise Prescription and Dosing APC
  • CDHD 1 Cultural Determinants of Health and Health Disparities
  • PT 643 Evidence Based Practice
  • PT 736 CAMP I
  • PT 737 CAMP II

Practice

  • Board certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists as an orthopaedic clinical specialist since 2006
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapists since 2010

Research

Dr. Clewley’s research interests focus on clinical applications in orthopaedic physical therapy, including manual therapy, dry needling, and pain sciences. He is currently part of an international team active in the development of clinical practice guidelines for neck pain. He collaborates and presents nationally. 

Selected publications

Awards and honors

  • Jan K. Richardson Excellence in Teaching Award:  Duke University, 2021

  • Physical Therapy Association of Georgia: Merritt Award for Exceptional Service and Achievement, 2014

  • Recognition of Excellence: BenchMark Rehab Partners, 2014

  • Clinical Instructor of the Year: Rocky Mountain University, 2013

  • Clinical Instructor of the Year: Georgia State University, 2008

  • Clinician of the Year: BenchMark Physical Therapy, 2007