Rate My Professor Teresa Munecas

Teresa Muñecas, PT, DPT, EdD, is the Chairperson and Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University’s Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences. An FIU alumna, she received her Bachelor’s degree from the university in 1994, Master of Physical Therapy in 2002, Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2008, and Doctor of Education in Health Professions in May 2022. Upon completing her master’s degree, Dr. Muñecas practiced physical therapy in various settings, including public schools, private sector clinics, and home health for pediatric and geriatric patients. At FIU, her career advanced from Director of Clinical Education and Clinical Associate Professor to her current role as Department Chair. She has served in leadership capacities with the Florida Consortium for Clinical Education, Florida Physical Therapy Association, FPTA Southeast District Council, and FIU’s Chairs Advisory Council for 2025-2026.

Dr. Muñecas specializes in physical therapy education and pediatrics, with research interests in innovative 3D printing for adaptive devices, rehabilitation protocols, and student success. Her publications include co-authored peer-reviewed articles such as “Positive and Negative Factors That Influence Health Care Professionals’ Retention Decisions” (Healthcare, 2019), “An Integrative Review of Interprofessional Collaboration in Health Care: Building the Case for University Support and Resources and Faculty Engagement” (Healthcare, 2020), “A Rehabilitation Protocol for the Use of a 3D-Printed Prosthetic Hand in Pediatrics: A Case Report” (2024), “Printing the Future: A Collaborative Approach to Integrating 3D Printing in Physical Therapy Education” (2025), and “Advancing Pediatric Cycling: A 3D-Printed Adaptive Device for Congenital Upper Limb Deficiency - Case Report” (2026). Cited over 111 times, her work advances interprofessional collaboration, prosthetic rehabilitation, and educational innovations. She has presented at national, regional, and local conferences.