Brett Neilson PT, DPT, DSc
Graduate College of Health Sciences - Department of Physical Therapy
ASSOCIATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Education:
B.S. Biology, University of Washington
DPT, University of Puget Sound
DSc, Bellin College
Dr. Neilson lives in Seattle, WA, and works remotely as the Associate Program Director and Assistant Professor of Hawai'i Pacific University's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in Honolulu. He has previoulsy served as the Director of Admissions for the HPU DPT program in Honolulu from 2021 - 2025.
During his 15+ years of clinical practice, Dr. Neilson has served his community through activities in clinical practice, research, and education. He maintains part-time clinical practice, helping adults with musculoskeletal and pain conditions. He was a contractor for the U.S. Air Force and has served as Trial Coordinator, coordinating the day-to-day activity on two large multi-center randomized controlled trials in knee osteoarthritis and low back strengthening. He has a passion for teaching his patients, members of his community, and physical therapists in his specialty areas of musculoskeletal and pain care.
Dr. Neilson is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. He is also a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. Dr. Neilson has additional training in treating chronic and persistent pain, spleep health interventions and dry needling.
Dr. Neilson has served the physical therapy profession as a leader in the American Physical Therapy Association as the Nominating Committee Chair for the Pain Special Interest Group. Additionally, he has served on the Board of Directors, nominating committee, and as a Delegate for APTA Washington. He has published peer-reviewed research articles, and presented at state, national, and international conferences.
