Dr. Steve Wechsler began his career as a physical therapist working at two world-class hospitals in New York City. After developing clinical expertise in neurologic and oncologic rehabilitation, and having gained invaluable experience treating a diverse patient population across a variety of practice settings, Dr. Wechsler moved home to Boston and earned a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from MGH Institute of Health Professions. His dissertation and subsequent postdoctoral fellowship focused on investigating cancer-related fatigue, postural control, and exercise behaviors among survivors of breast cancer. His research is focused on developing and testing behavioral rehabilitation interventions to enhance exercise behaviors among survivors of cancer.
Dr. Wechsler always knew he wanted to teach in a DPT program where he could share his passion for learning and help cultivate the next generation of PT clinicians. Teaching at Simmons University allows him to do just that, drawing on his clinical and research experiences to inspire, empower, and partner with students in their learning to prepare them to join the profession he has found so rewarding.
Areas of Expertise:
- Cancer survivorship
- Cancer-related fatigue
- Postural control
- Neuro-oncologic rehabilitation
Education
- PhD, Rehabilitation Sciences, from MGH Institute of Health Professions
- DPT, Ithaca College
- BS Clinical Health Sciences, Minor in Exercise Science, from Ithaca College
License/Certification
- Licensed physical therapist since 2012 (Massachusetts since 2019)
- Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS), American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Certification, Emory University (2018)
Research/Special Projects
Research projects include:
- “The Effects of Treatment for Colon Cancer on Exercise Self-Efficacy and Exercise Participation.”
- “Strength After Breast Cancer: Clinical implementation of an evidence-based group exercise intervention for breast cancer survivors.”
Publications/Presentations
- Lyons KD, Wechsler SB, Ejem DB, et al. Telephone-Based Rehabilitation Intervention to Optimize Activity Participation After Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(3):e242478. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.2478
- Wechsler, S., Fu, Mei R., Wood Magee, LJ., Lyons, K. (2023) Finding the optimal exercise dose while living with cancer-related fatigue: A qualitative study. Oncology Nursing Forum. 50(5); 551-562. DOI: 10.1188/23.ONF.551-562
- Wechsler, S., Fu, Mei R., Lyons, K., Wood, KC., Wood Magee, LJ. (2023) The role of exercise self-efficacy in exercise behaviors among women with persistent fatigue after breast cancer: A mixed-methods study. Physical Therapy. 103(1). doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzac143
- Wechsler, S., Wood, L. (2021). The Effect of Chemotherapy on Balance, Gait, and Falls Among Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review. Rehabil Oncol. 39(1):6-22. doi: 10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000238
See the full list of publications.
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
- Digital Media Editor, Editorial Board, Rehabilitation Oncology Journal
- Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy, American Physical Therapy Association
- Research and Outcomes Taskforce, Cancer Rehabilitation Networking Group, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
Awards
- Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy Stephen Gudas Award for Outstanding Publication in Rehabilitation Oncology (2022)
- Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy Best Research Platform Presentation, American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting (2022)
- President’s Award, Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy, American Physical Therapy Association (2019)
- Emerging Leader Award, American Physical Therapy Association (2017)