Dr. Jocelin Friedman leads collaborative research exploring how artificial intelligence can support physical therapy clinical education.
Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences is proud to recognize Jocelin Friedman, PT, DPT, DHSc, Director of Clinical Education and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, for receiving special recognition at the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Educational Leadership Conference (ELC) 2026 in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Friedman presented a research poster titled “Artificial Intelligence Adoption, Barriers, and Optimization Among DCEs and ADCEs in Clinical Education.” The presentation received a special recognition award from the conference commissioner, highlighting the team’s contributions to an emerging area of physical therapy education.
Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Education
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform healthcare and higher education, physical therapy educators are exploring how these technologies can enhance their work and support student learning.
Serving as the principal investigator, Dr. Friedman led a collaborative pilot study through the Southern California Clinical Education Consortium. The research examines how Directors and Assistant Directors of Clinical Education (DCEs and ADCEs) are adopting AI, the barriers they encounter, and opportunities to optimize its use in clinical education.
The project brought together clinical education faculty from Chapman University, California State University, Northridge (CSUN), Western University, Concorde Career College, Mount Saint Mary’s University, and West Coast University.
The collaborative research team included Myra Stewart, Stephanie Saito, Jennyfer Oh, Janet Konecne, and Lusine Karapetyan.
Advancing Physical Therapy Education Through Collaboration
The APTA Educational Leadership Conference brings together physical therapy educators and academic leaders from across the country to share research, exchange ideas, and explore innovations shaping the future of the profession.
For Dr. Friedman, the recognition reflects not only the importance of exploring emerging technologies but also the value of collaboration among clinical education professionals.
“Learning from my peers as part of the consortium is such a privilege, and collaborating on impactful research with them is an honor,” Friedman shared.
The team hopes to build on its pilot study by continuing to investigate how clinical education faculty can effectively integrate AI into their professional responsibilities.
At Chapman University, this work reflects the Doctor of Physical Therapy program’s commitment to innovation, collaborative research, and preparing future physical therapists for an evolving healthcare landscape.
Congratulations to Dr. Friedman and her research collaborators on this national recognition!
