Tamara Phelan

Tamara L. Phelan, PT, EdD, FAAOMPT earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Tennessee State University and her Masters of Orthopedic Manual Therapy and Doctorate in Orthopedic Manual Therapy from Ola Grimsby Institute. While working as a clinician Dr. Phelan completed both a residency and fellowship in orthopedic manual physical therapy and is a fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. After joining the faculty at University of the Pacific in 2001, she earned her Doctor of Education in 2008. Prior to joining the faculty at Pacific, Dr. Phelan worked as a full-time clinician and faculty member at the Ola Grimsby Institute, Belmont University and Tennessee State University. Since joining Pacific Dr. Phelan has been voted Outstanding Full Time Faculty of the Year seven times by the students in the Physical Therapy Program and served Pacific as the Assistant Vice Provost for Educational Effectiveness 2017 through 2019, assisting in the preparation of the University’s WASC accreditation self-study. In addition to serving as Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, Dr. Phelan teaches program content related to kinesiology, orthopedics, and manual therapy. 

Dr. Phelan is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the California Physical Therapy Association, the American Academy for Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

She wants to make the learning experience rigorous, relevant and fun. Her goal is to show students how creative, challenging and satisfying it is to be a physical therapist. Dr. Phelan strives to develop the self-confidence of her students as they prepare for a career in physical therapy. In addition, she is dedicated to promoting kindness and respect as a foundation for professionalism and success.