50 Heroes: Dr. Brandy Schwarz

November 23, 2020

Both inside and outside the HSC walls, Dr. Brandy Schwarz has earned a reputation for rising to every challenge.  To her students, she is a sought-after mentor and role model.  To her faculty colleagues, she is an innovator and collaborator.  And to her community (which stretches to all corners of the globe), she is a true servant leader.

Schwarz, who joined the Department of Physical Therapy faculty in 2011, does everything with passion and determination.  A lifelong learner, she has earned doctorates in Physical Therapy and Education Leadership, and Master’s degrees in Occupational Therapy and Business Administration. This breadth of knowledge has expanded the pathways she can pursue.  And pursue them, she does.

“We kid Brandy that she is an interprofessional team within herself being both a licensed Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist,” said Dr. David Farmer, HSC’s Director of Interprofessional Education and Practice. “She has helped lead the charge in introducing interprofessional education with clinical preceptors to enhance the learning environment for students.”  Another colleague commented, “Brandy teaches students about professional behavior and clinical skills, but also strives to enhance students’ soft skills, critical thinking, and cultural competence.”

These strengths were recognized in 2018 when Brandy was named to Fort Worth’s “40 Under 40” list, as well as being inducted as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academy of Practice.  These honors followed a year during which she worked to enroll PT students into an international training rotation in Malawi and then traveled to Swaziland with a delegation from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities International to meet with local healthcare workers and deliver wheel chairs.

In 2019, she organized a week-long trip for physical therapy students to Costa Rica, where students treated and provided health education to men, women, and children suffering from orthopedic problems, seizures, high blood pressure and more.  Closer to home, Dr. Schwarz teams with geriatric faculty to engage PT students in the HSC SAGE (Students Assisting in Geriatric Education) program.

“Her commitment to inclusivity, respect, collaboration, and ethical conduct are among her greatest attributes,” commented Dr. Haylie Miller, a faculty colleague. “I feel so fortunate to collaborate with her, and to benefit from her knowledge and experience. It is my pleasure to sing Brandy’s praises.”  Given her drive and energy, the singing seems sure to continue.

Congratulations to Dr. Brandy Schwarz, whose contributions – past and future – are worthy of celebration.

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