- Education:BS in Health Sciences, Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (1996)
MS in Physical Therapy, Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (1998)
- Email:kpesan@bu.edu
- Phone:617-358-0703
Scholarly, Research, and/or Practical Interests
Kelly Pesanelli PT, MS is a senior lecturer in Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in both the Health Sciences and Human Physiology Departments. She began her career as a physical therapist specializing in outpatient orthopedics/occupational medicine before joining the faculty at Sargent College full-time. She currently teaches The Organization and Delivery of Health Care in the United States which is a required course for almost every undergraduate student in Sargent College as well as Advanced Regional Anatomy – an advanced cadaveric dissection course. Her professional area of research includes assessing the social determinants of health in the custodial workforce and the prevention of occupational injuries. In addition to teaching full-time, she also directs an injury prevention program for all Boston University employees.
Courses Taught
SAR HP151: Introduction to Health Professions
Through readings, discussion and written work, we explore the functions of the health and rehabilitation disciplines. An introduction to the health care system and social impact of health and disability is also considered especially with respect to allocation of resources to improve outcomes. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Oral and/or Signed Communication. (Credits: 2)
SAR HP353: Organization and Delivery of Health Care in the U.S.
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) - The focus of this interdisciplinary course is on increasing the student's understanding of the health care system, the social, environmental, and behavioral factors that affect health care, and on increasing the student's ability to work in interdisciplinary teams. The student will actively engage in individual work, group discussion and teamwork through written, oral, and web site assignments. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Writing-Intensive Course. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS210: Introduction to Critical Inquiry
This course demonstrates access to information resources in the biomedical sciences, including hard copy, on-line databases (e.g., LexisNexis, PubMed, OVID), and web searching and how to critically evaluate these information sources. Classes are hands-on learning using laptops. (Credits: 2)
SAR HS405: Health Science Practicum
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Senior standing - Practical experience in health care setting (health policy, administrative, constituent advocacy) in hospital, clinic, public health setting, government or non-governmental health agency setting. 2 or 4 credits. (Credits: Var)
SAR HS410: Field Experience: Human Physiology
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and consent of instructor - The focus of this internship course is to provide the student with an experience that is different from the classroom in which the student can apply much of the knowledge gained in previous class work. Exposure to a hospital setting, research laboratory, clinical environment and direct patient contact are within the realm of available experiences. The internship will provide the student a stronger sense of the careers available in the health professions while providing valuable first-hand experience. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. (Credits: Var)
SAR HS469: Seminar: Advanced Regional Anatomy
SEM ADV REG ANA (Credits: 2)
Selected Publications
- American Physical Therapy Association Journal, January 2003, Functional Occupational Rehabilitation Following Inguinal Hernia Repair. Pesanelli K, Cigna JP, Basu, SG
- Journal of Applied Ergonomics, July 2022, Savannah Bitzas, Shannon Ma, Kelly Pesanelli, Ann M. Zaia, Risk factors and impacts of slips, trips, and falls in janitorial populations: A literature review, Applied Ergonomics,Volume 102, 2022,103745,ISSN 0003-6870
Certifications
- Credentialed Clinical Instructor APTA, September 2006
- MA licensed Physical Therapist (PT11516)
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