Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science

Professional Background
Dr. Jernigan's clinical background is in spine and peripheral joint outpatient orthopedics. As a clinical assistant professor in the DPT program, he teaches physical therapy tests and measures which introduces all the basic physical therapy evaluation skills including goniometry and manual muscle testing. He also teaches health promotion through the lifespan, which encompasses a variety of topics – all directed toward promoting the health and wellness of physical therapy patients. In addition, he assists in all of the other musculoskeletal courses in the DPT curriculum. Starting in 2012, Jernigan will also teach kinesiology. Currently, Jernigan is also the director of physical therapy services for Silver City Health Center.

Academic Background
Dr. Jernigan first began his physical therapy work at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Jernigan then transitioned to KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., to earn his Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Also at KU Medical Center, Jernigan then completed his PhD in Rehabilitation Science.

Research Focus
Currently, Dr. Jernigan is a part of the Clinical Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Research Laboratory because of his interest in clinical orthopedic research. He is also interested in educational research. Dr. Jernigan's dissertation work focused on fall risk assessment and quality of life in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy as part of the Health, Exercise and Aging Laboratory which is housed in the Georgia Holland Research Lab.