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Zachary D. Rethorn

Instructor, Medical Center in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery, Physical Therapy
311 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Dr. Zachary D. Rethorn is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist and certified health coach with clinical and research expertise in musculoskeletal pain conditions, physical activity, and health promotion. He earned his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Belmont University followed by his DPT degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. Rethorn completed a residency in orthopedic physical therapy through Benchmark Rehab Institute, a faculty development residency through Duke University, and a PhD in health promotion and wellness at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Dr. Rethorn is a postdoctoral fellow at the Durham VA Health Care System Center for Innovation to ADAPT where his research focuses on improving access, equity, and outcomes for musculoskeletal conditions through attending to behavioral and social determinants of health. He has presented at national and international conferences on topics related to musculoskeletal conditions, health equity, and health promotion. 

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Instructor, Medical Center in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery · 2018 - Present Orthopaedic Surgery, Physical Therapy, Orthopaedic Surgery

In the News


Published October 1, 2019
Battling Bias's Distorted Image
Published March 13, 2019
Promoting a Culture of Health Within Business: PT Is Key
Published October 10, 2018
When Health Decisions Aren't a Matter of Choice: Addressing Social Determinants of Health

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Recent Publications


Interventions to Improve Long-Term Adherence to Physical Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review.

Journal Article Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001) · January 2024 ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of physical rehabilitation interventions, supplemented with one or more adherence-enhancing components, on outcomes among adults with hip or knee osteoarthritis or chronic lower back pain.DesignPrimary lite ... Full text Cite

The Use of Quality Improvement in the Physical Therapy Literature: A Scoping Review.

Journal Article Journal for healthcare quality : official publication of the National Association for Healthcare Quality · September 2023 IntroductionQuality improvement (QI) is a useful methodology for improving healthcare, often through iterative changes. There is no prior review on the application of QI in physical therapy (PT).Purpose and relevanceTo characterize and ev ... Full text Cite

Social Power and the Movement System: Why and How Physical Therapists Might Influence the Upstream Currents of Health.

Journal Article Phys Ther · July 1, 2023 Social determinants of health are an emerging focus within physical therapist practice, research, education, and advocacy as a necessary condition for movement system health disparities. Fundamental cause theory suggests that the sociopolitical environment ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Education, Training & Certifications


The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga · 2015 D.P.T.