Kay Malek, PT, Ph.D.
Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program; Associate Professor
Kay Malek, PT, Ph.D. is the program director and associate professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Prior to coming to DeSales University, Dr. Malek was the chair of the DPT program at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA, and was also a tenured, associate professor teaching in the areas of neurologic physical therapy, chronic disease management, wound care, prosthetic management, patient education, and professional development.
As a healthcare provider for nearly 30 years, Kay began her clinical practice as a physical therapist assistant treating patients following stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury in the inpatient rehabilitation and home care settings in central Texas. After acquiring her master’s degree in physical therapy, she continued to practice in acute care and outpatient rehabilitation with diabetic, amputee, vestibular, pediatric, and neurologic patient populations. Dr. Malek is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the American Diabetes Association, and the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
Kay is somewhat of an academic “late bloomer” who started college for the first time in her mid-thirties as a non-traditional student at the community college level. She then earned her associate degree as a physical therapist assistant from St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, Texas in 1990. After nine years of practice as a PTA, Dr. Malek returned to Texas State University where she completed a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Occupational Education (1997), a Master of Science in Physical Therapy (2000), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a concentration in Adult, Professional, and Community Education (2006).
Prior to her academic pursuits, Kay was a franchise owner, area manager, and instructor for Jazzercise Inc., so she has an indwelling enjoyment of music, movement, and dance. She believes that education is a lifelong pursuit and that everyone should embrace any opportunity when it comes to learning new and interesting things. As a parent of two adult sons and six grandchildren, she spends every spare minute of her free time playing and learning with her family.