A first dissertation defense marks a defining moment for the EdD in Health Professions Education

The University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education and Human Development is celebrating a defining milestone in its newest doctoral program: the EdD Health Professions Education Leadership. Leading the way is doctoral candidate Tanya Beiswenger, who successfully defended her dissertation in April—becoming the first candidate in the program to reach this significant achievement.

Her study “From Clinician to Educator: The Transition of Clinicians to Roles in Physical Therapy Education,” explores how healthcare professionals navigate the shift from clinical practice to teaching roles, shedding light on an increasingly important area in health professions education. 

The dissertation was chaired by Martha Mock, professor of teaching & curriculum, with Raffaella Borasi, Frederica Warner Professor—who played a central role in launching the doctoral program in 2023—and Walter Jenkins, division chief and program director of physical therapy at New York Medical College, serving as committee members.

“The Warner School gave me the space to think more deeply about who I am as a clinician, educator, and leader,” says Beiswenger, a senior physical therapist at University of Rochester Medicine. “This program helped me connect my years of experience at the University with a renewed sense of purpose for the work still ahead. I am proud to be the first graduate of this program, but even more grateful for the learning, relationships, and reflection that shaped the journey. Warner helped me grow in ways that will continue to influence my work.”

This milestone represents more than an individual accomplishment—it signals strong momentum for a new doctoral program already making its mark. As the first doctoral program introduced at the University of Rochester in more than a decade, the EdD in Health Professions Education Leadership has quickly grown, with 27 students currently enrolled.

Beiswenger’s accomplishment sets a tone for the future of the program, which is designed to prepare leaders across healthcare education, research, and administration. Her career in physical therapy reflects a close connection between clinical practice, teaching, and professional development. She has built her work around helping patients, supporting colleagues, and strengthening the educational experiences that prepare future clinicians. 

Now, as the program’s first graduate—completing her degree in 2026, just three years after its launch—she not only advances her own career but also helps shape the future of the program dedicated to developing leaders in the health professions.

“My experience at Warner strengthened my commitment to advancing education in clinical settings,” says Beiswenger, “and to supporting health professionals as they grow in clinical, teaching and leadership roles.”

Borasi notes that seeing the program’s first candidate successfully defend her dissertation is an exciting milestone.

“Tanya’s achievement reflects the dedication, curiosity, and scholarly rigor we strive to cultivate in our students,” says Borasi. “We are proud not only of her work, but the broader impact this growing community of scholars will have on the future of healthcare education.”