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Faculty

Faculty180 – Vita and Individual Profile Data Sheet

Pei-Tzu Wu, PT, PhD, CCS

Fall 1980 - Fall 2120

Professor I

Physical Therapy Program - CA

peitzuwu@scuhs.edu

Current Position

Position: Curriculum Coordinator, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program - CA
Position: DPT CA Core Faculty

Biography

Dr. Wu is a distinguished educator, researcher, and licensed physical therapist with a wealth of experience in academia and clinical practice. In addition to holding a Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Science in Exercise Science from George Washington University, Dr. Wu completed her post-doctoral training at the University of California – Los Angeles. She has cultivated a diverse and comprehensive academic background.

 

Currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Southern California University of Health Sciences, Dr. Wu brings expertise and dedication to her role. Previously, she held various teaching positions, including Assistant Professor and Adjunct Faculty roles at Pacific University in Oregon, as well as a Lecturer position at the University of California - Los Angeles.

 

Dr. Wu has made significant contributions to the field through her clinical work, having served as an acute care Physical Therapist at Oregon Health and Science University. She also holds a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist designation in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy.

 

Her research contributions are notable, with multiple peer-reviewed publications focusing on acute care physical therapy, cardiovascular disease risk, and metabolic syndromes. Dr. Wu's commitment to excellence in education, research, and clinical practice continues to drive significant advancements in the physical therapy profession.

Degrees

2013

Ph.D., Kinesiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States

Professional Licensures (Healthcare)

Physical Therapist, Oregon, United States, Active, 2018, March 2026

Certifications (Healthcare)

American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, APTA Specialist Certification, Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Specialty, CP220028, 2022-07-01, 2032-06-30

Post-Graduate Training

Type: Post-Doctorate, University of California - Los Angeles, Post-Doctorate, June 2013, January 2017

Scholarly Contributions and Creative Productions

Journal Article

Completed/Published

Miner, D.; Smith, K.; Wu, P.-T.; Price, J. H.; Piscitelli, D.; Chui, K. Pragmatic Approach to Mobilizing Individuals with Critical Illness due to COVID-19: Clinical Perspective. 2023, 1–9.
Lin, J.-R.; Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Chang, Y.-K.; Chu, I.-H. The Psychophysiological Profile and Cardiac Autonomic Reactivity in Long-Term Female Yoga Practitioners: A Comparison with Runners and Sedentary Individuals. 2022, 19.
Chu, I.-H.; Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Yu, H.-C.; Yu, T.-C.; Chang, Y.-K. Affective Responses during High-Intensity Interval Exercise Compared with Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise in Inactive Women. 2021, 18.
Chu, I.-H.; Chen, Y.-L.; Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Guo, L.-Y. The Associations between Self-Determined Motivation, Multidimensional Self-Efficacy, and Device-Measured Physical Activity. 2021, 18.
Yu, T.-C.; Chiang, C. H.; Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Chu, I.-H. Effects of Exergames on Physical Fitness in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Taiwan. 2020, 17.
Jeong, J. H.; Biruete, A.; Tomayko, E. J.; Wu, P. T.; Fitschen, P.; Chung, H. R.; Ali, M.; McAuley, E.; Fernhall, B.; Phillips, S. A.; Wilund, K. R. Results from the Randomized Controlled IHOPE Trial Suggest No Effects of Oral Protein Supplementation and Exercise Training on Physical Function in Hemodialysis Patients. 2019, 96, 777–786.
Tuzovic, M.; Wu, P.-T.; Kianmahd, S.; Nguyen, K.-L. Natural History of Myocardial Deformation in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults Exposed to Anthracyclines: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 2018, 35, 922–934.
Wu, P. T.; Segovia, D. E.; Lee, C. C. C.; Nguyen, K.-L. Consistency of Continuous Ambulatory Interstitial Glucose Monitoring Sensors. 2018, 8.
Chen, J. J. J.; Wu, P.-T.; Middlekauff, H. R.; Nguyen, K.-L. Aerobic Exercise in Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions. 2017, 312, H213–H222.
Chung, H. R.; Vakil, M.; Munroe, M.; Parikh, A.; Meador, B. M.; Wu, P. T.; Jeong, J. H.; Woods, J. A.; Wilund, K. R.; Boppart, M. D. The Impact of Exercise on Statin-Associated Skeletal Muscle Myopathy. 2016, 11, e0168065.
Jeong, J. H.; Wu, P.-T.; Kistler, B. M.; Fitschen, P. J.; Biruete, A. G.; Phillips, S. A.; Ali, M. M. M.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. R. The Presence and Impact of Diastolic Dysfunction on Physical Function and Body Composition in Hemodialysis Patients. 2015, 28, 739–747.
Wu, P.-T.; Fitschen, P. J.; Kistler, B. M.; Jeong, J. H.; Chung, H. R.; Aviram, M.; Phillips, S. A.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. R. Effects of Pomegranate Extract Supplementation on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Physical Function in Hemodialysis Patients. 2015, 18, 941–949.
Kistler, B. M.; Jeong, J. H.; Wu, P.-T.; Fitschen, P. J.; Biruete, A.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. R. Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Arterial Stiffness and Physical Fitness in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: 1503 Board #296 May 28, 8: 00 AM - 9: 30 AM. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2015, 47.
Roberts, C. K.; Wu, P.-T.; Barnard, R. J. Effects of Diet on Insulin Sensitivity in an Animal Model of Metabolic Syndrome: 578 May 27, 2: 45 PM - 3: 00 PM. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2015, 47.
Wu, P.-T.; Katiraie, M.; Angadi, S. S.; Chronley, M. K.; Pham, K. I.; Chen, J. J.; Henry, A. A.; Pham, H.; Phung, T.; Segovia, D. E.; Wong, D. L.; Huynh, D.; Harris, R. A.; Roberts, C. K. Effects of Resistance Training and Cessation Therapy on Fitness and Cardiovascular Health in Young Smokers: 608 Board #4 May 27, 2: 00 PM - 3: 30 PM. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2015, 47.
Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Chu, I.-H. Energy Expenditure and Intensity in Healthy Young Adults during Exergaming. 2015, 39, 556–561.
Fitschen, P. J.; Kistler, B. M.; Jeong, J. H.; Chung, H. R.; Wu, P. T.; Walsh, M. J.; Wilund, K. R. Perceptual Effects and Efficacy of Intermittent or Continuous Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training. Clinical physiology and functional imaging 2014, 34, 356–363.
Yan, H.; Ranadive, S. M.; Heffernan, K. S.; Lane, A. D.; Kappus, R. M.; Cook, M. D.; Wu, P.-T.; Sun, P.; Harvey, I. S.; Woods, J. A.; Wilund, K. R.; Fernhall, B. Hemodynamic and Arterial Stiffness Differences between African-Americans and Caucasians after Maximal Exercise. 2014, 306, H60–H68.
Lane, A. D.; Wu, P.-T.; Kistler, B.; Fitschen, P.; Tomayko, E.; Jeong, J.-H.; Chung, H. R.; Yan, H.; Ranadive, S. M.; Phillips, S.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. Arterial Stiffness and Walk Time in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease. 2013, 37, 142–150.
Wilund, K. R.; Tomayko, E. J.; Wu, P.-T.; Ryong Chung, H.; Vallurupalli, S.; Lakshminarayanan, B.; Fernhall, B. Intradialytic Exercise Training Reduces Oxidative Stress and Epicardial Fat: A Pilot Study. 2010, 25, 2695–2701.

Poster Presentation

Completed/Published

Wu, P.-T.; Reisch, R. A. The Relationship between Admissions Variables, Academic Performance, and NPTE Scores in a DPT Program. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, 2024.
Lin, J.-R.; Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Chang, Y.-K.; Chu, I.-H. The Cardiac Autonomic Reactivity in Long-Term Female Yoga Practitioners: A Comparison with Runners and Sedentary Individuals. APTA Oregon 2023 Annual Conference, 2023.
Lin, J.-R.; Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Chang, Y.-K.; Chu, I.-H. The Cardiac Autonomic Reactivity in Long-Term Female Yoga Practitioners: A Comparison with Runners and Sedentary Individuals. AHA Scientific Sessions, 2022.
Ch, I. A.; Usmani, A.; Wu, P.-T.; Ullah, R.; Qadar, A.; Tahirkheli, M.; Weitzel, H.; Harvey, A.; Jamal, R.; Malik, Z.; Ahzam, M.; Latif, F.; Garret, J.; Cannon, M.; Miller, S.; Tahirkheli, N. K. Three Months of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Is Optimal Time for Mortality and Morbidity Benefit Post Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting - Results of an In-Depth, Retrospective Review of a Large Series of Patients from a Single Center. AHA Scientific Sessions, 2019.
Ch, I. A.; Tahirkheli, N.; Wu, P.-T.; Qadar, A.; Usmani, A.; Ullah, R.; Weitzel, H. Impact of Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients on Graft Outcomes and Mortality. Annual Scientific Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association on Vascular Discovery, 2019.
Ch, I. A.; Tahirkheli, N.; Usmani, A.; Ullah, R.; Weitzel, H.; Qadar, A.; Ananya, B.; Whitehead, A.; Wu, P.-T. Efficacy of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome. Annual Scientific Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association on Vascular Discovery, 2019.
Ch, I. A.; Tahirkheli, N.; Latif, F.; Usmani, A.; Tahirkheli, M.; Amil, F.; Chaudry, S.; Bhaktaram, A.; Whitehead, A.; Weitzel, H.; Ullah, R.; Qadar, A.; Wu, P.-T.; Ijaz, H.; Garrett, J. Efficacy of Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease. American College of Cardiology’s 68th Annual Scientific Session, 2019.
Jeong, J.; Wu, P.-T.; Biruete, A.; Kistler, B.; Fitschen, P.; Chung, H.; Tomayko, E.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. The Effect of Intradialytic Exercise Training on Cardiac and Arterial Health in Hemodialysis Patients. American College of Sports Medicine and World Congress 2018 Annual Meeting, 2018.
Jeong, J. H.; Wu, P.-T.; Biruete, A.; Kistler, B.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. The Interplay between Arterial Functional and Structural Alteration and Their Contribution to Cardiac Abnormalities in Hemodialysis Patients
. Kidney Week, 2016.
Biruete, A.; Fitschen, P.; Jeong, J. H.; Wu, P.-T.; Tomayko, E.; Wilund, K. Intradialytic Protein Supplementation Increases Protein Intake in Older, but Not Younger, Hemodialysis Patients and Is Associated with Improved Hip Bone Mineral Density. . Kidney Week, 2016.
Wu, P.-T.; Chronley, M.; Chen, J.; Croymans, D.; Lee, C.; Roberts, C. Associations Between Strength Fitness, Body Composition and the Determinants of Glycemic Control in Overweight/Obese Individuals. American College of Sports Medicine and World Congress, 2016.
Wu, P.-T.; Katiraie, M.; Angadi, S.; Chronley, M.; Pham, K.; Chen, J.; Wong, D.; Huynh, D.; Harris, R.; McCarthy, W.; Roberts, C. Effects of Resistance Training and Cessation Therapy on Fitness and Cardiovascular Health in Young Smokers. Annual Translational Nicotine Research Group Symposium, 2015.
Wu, P.-T.; Angadi, S.; Ruelas, V.; Manzanarez, B.; Segovia, D.; Phung, T.; Wong, D.; Pham, K.; Popish, A.; Henry, A.; Peters, A.; McCarthy, W.; Ortega, A.; Roberts, C. The Effect of Immigration Status on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Aerobic Fitness Levels in Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Mexicans in East Los Angeles. Centers for Population Health and Health Disparities National Conference, 2015.
Chung, H. R.; Wu, P.-T.; Fitschen, P.; Kistler, B.; Park, H. W.; Jeong, J. H.; Wilund, K.; Wood, J.; Boppart, M. The Impact of Physical Activity on Statin-Associated Skeletal Muscle Myopathy. American College of Sports Medicine and World Congress, 2015.
Jeong, J. H.; Fitschen, P.; Kistler, B.; Biruete, A.; Wu, P.-T.; Chung, H. R.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. Relationship between Physical Function and Psychosocial Variables in Renal Failure Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis Treatment. American College of Sports Medicine and World Congress, 2015.

Professional Membership

Spring 2024 - Fall 2024

American Physical Therapy Association, August 2021

Hear from the Students Who’ve Been in Your Shoes

I chose SCU when looking for a PA program because of their Integrative Medicine approach. I am from Michigan, and not many programs focus on this Integrative, Holistic approach when it comes to patient care in the Midwest, and I felt that was very important for me to learn as a future provider. My transition to semi-virtual learning has been very smooth and quite enjoyable. [su_accordion][su_spoiler title="Read More..." open="No"]My favorite part about attending SCU is how tight-knit and diverse the community is. Coming from a large undergrad university and moving so far, it was very important for me to have a PA program that made me feel valued and invested in my success. At SCU, they do a great job of making you feel that.[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion]

Brianna Hadley

MSPA Class of 2022

One of the great things about SCU is we do have a campus layout, so all your classes aren't in a single room. We have our cadaver lab. We have different specialty rooms for physical assessment classes vs. acupuncture classes. All our acupuncture-specific classes have all the herbs in the room. You can pull out the herbs and look at them, whether in class or in between classes to get that extra studying in.[su_accordion][su_spoiler title="Read More..." open="No"]My favorite part of SCU is the collaboration from our beginning terms. We were working alongside chiropractor students, PA students, and ayurvedic students. It's a unique community where we get to learn about these different fields and sit in classrooms with them and work with them in the clinic. It allows you to get an understanding of all the different fields and how they can work together, and what is unique about your field. I think that is a wonderful aspect that I didn't think was going to be as prominent as it is here; even now, in my upper term classes and I am not in class with chiropractic students, I can still reach out to them about a certain aspect I may not understand or if I am working on a case. I want another perspective I know I have them to reach out to, so that has been a great networking community to have resources for.[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion]

 

Dr. Jamie Kuljis

Graduate, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

"There are a lot of things that I love about the program at SCU. The first one is that the faculty come from a long line of Ayurvedic knowledge deeply rooted in ancient classical text. They studied Ayurveda, but they also lived it. When you learn from people who embody this wisdom, it's much easier to grasp this knowledge. The second thing I love is the camaraderie within the cohort. The combination of the training, supportive faculty, and the support of my peers and classmates has given me the confidence I need to start my own practice."

Portia Harris

Student, Ayurveda Program

Some of my favorite courses at SCU have to be the chiropractic procedure classes; those are the classes you get to hone in on your chiro skills, your palpation skills and ultimately work on the adjustments that make you a chiropractor. Those are the classes I feel enhance my knowledge the most and are some of the reasons I chose to become a chiropractor here are SCU.[su_accordion][su_spoiler title="Read More..." open="No"]On top of chiropractic procedures classes, my favorite is the cadaver lab experience. The cadaver classes opened up my perception of what the human body is made up of. It allowed me to get an in-person perspective of how the body works and looks on the inside. I am genuinely thankful for those experiences because they opened and broadened my horizons to the human body and anatomy in general.[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion]

 

Jordan Vega

Student, Doctor of Chiropractic

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