Amy Bala, PT, DPT, WCC, CWS, FACCWS

Dr. Amy Bala is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Governors State University. She holds a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership and a Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Governors State University, a Masters of Physical Therapy Degree from Midwestern University, and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

With more than 20 years of experience as a licensed physical therapist, Dr. Bala has practiced in the settings of acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and wound clinics. In addition to her academic appointment, she continues to provide patient care as a registry physical therapist at the UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Wound Center. She currently serves as the coordinator for doctoral capstones projects for DPT students. She previously served as the Director of Clinical Education for the Governors State University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program for 10 years, supporting clinical partnerships and student clinical experiences. She maintains specialty credentials as a Certified Wound Specialist (CWS), Wound Care Certified (WCC), and Fellow of the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists (FACCWS), and is currently pursuing the Certified Lymphedema and Wound Therapist (CLWT) credential.

At Governors State University, Dr. Bala teaches courses in wound and lymphedema management, cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, leadership, ethics, patient care, health and wellness, and research. She is the author of the wound care chapter in Pierson and Fairchild's Principles & Techniques of Patient Care and has presented scholarly work at regional and national conferences, including the American Physical Therapy Association Educational Leadership Conference, the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, and the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions. As current DPT Capstone Coordinator, she oversees doctoral capstone experiences and mentors students through the development, implementation, and dissemination of scholarly projects, helping them translate evidence into meaningful clinical and professional contributions.

Her scholarship and research interests include wound management, leadership development, communication practices, mindfulness and compassion in healthcare, transportation and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-informed practice. She is particularly interested in integrating mindfulness, compassion, and leadership within healthcare and higher education, as well as advancing curricular innovation and educational strategies that strengthen the preparation of future healthcare professionals. Dr. Bala has completed formal training in Compassion-Based Mindful Training.

Dr. Bala is actively engaged in service to her profession, university, and community. Within the American Physical Therapy Association, she has contributed extensively to the Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management, including service within the Wound Management Special Interest Group (WMSIG), specialty certification activities, item writing, leadership roles, and candidate review for wound management specialization. She has also served the Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) as Treasurer of the Clinical Education Special Interest Group, Auditing Committee Member, and Eastern Central District Assembly Representative Alternate.

At Governors State University, Dr. Bala contributes to university service through committees and initiatives focused on assessment, curriculum development, interprofessional education, transportation, library services, graduate writing support, academic calendar planning, and student success. She also serves as Co-Advisor of the Physical Therapy Student Association, fostering student leadership, professional engagement, service, and advocacy within the physical therapy profession.