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Mary Insana Fisher, PT, PhD, OCS

Chair and Professor, Department of Physical Therapy

Full-Time Faculty

School of Education and Health Sciences: Department of Physical Therapy

Contact

Email: Mary Fisher, PT, PhD, OCS
Phone: 937-229-5617
Raymond L. Fitz Hall, Room 209C
Curriculum Vitae: Read CV

Degrees

  • Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kentucky, 2013
  • M.S. in Physical Therapy, Boston University, 1991
  • B.A. in English, Wittenberg University, 1989

Licensures & Certifications

  • Licensed Physical Therapist, State of Ohio
  • Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
  • Certified Lymphedema Therapist
  • Clinical Instructor, American Physical Therapy Association

Courses Taught

  • DPT 967 Advanced Therapy I: Clinical Pathology
  • DPT 977 Advanced Therapy I: Clinical Skills Lab
  • DPT 987 Advanced Therapy I: Clinical Issues Seminar
  • DPT 988 Advanced Therapy II: Contemporary Practice Issues
  • DPT 993 Research III
  • DPT 994 Research IV

Professional Activities

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Member since 1989
  • APTA Section Membership: Oncology; Orthopedics; Women's Health; Research
  • Senior Editor, Rehabilitation Oncology

Service Activities

  • University of Dayton Institutional Review Board (IRB): Member, Medical Subcommittee Chair
  • University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program: Faculty Council, Admissions Committee, Curriculum Review Committee
  • University of Dayton Clinical Committee, Chair
  • University of Dayton Faculty Board, School of Education and Health Sciences representative
  • University of Dayton School of Education and Health Sciences Congress, Secretary
  • St. Paul Parish
  • St. Brigid School
  • Frequent speaker at area breast cancer support groups

Grants

Fisher, MI (Primary Investigator).  Reliability and Validity of the BodyScan® Scanner and Structure Sensor for Measuring Limb Volume.  Section on Women’s Health, American Physical Therapy Association.  2018.  Awarded: $10,000.

Fisher MI, Cohn J (Co-Primary Investigators).  Clinical Practice Guideline Development, American Physical Therapy Association. Awarded: $10,000.

Fisher MI.  Traveling Fellows Award, Section on Research, American Physical Therapy Association.  August 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015.  Awarded: $1000.

Fisher MI (Primary Investigator).  A Quantitative Comparison of Arm Activity between Survivors of Breast Cancer and Healthy Controls:  Use of Accelerometry.  Oncology Section, American Physical Therapy Association, July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015.  Awarded: $4445.

Fisher MI (Primary Investigator).  A Quantitative Comparison of Arm Activity between Survivors of Breast Cancer and Healthy Controls:  Use of Accelerometry.  University of Dayton Grant-in-Aid, July 1, 2014 -June 30, 2015.  Awarded: $1,500.

Fisher MI (Primary Investigator).  The Effects of Yoga on Arm Lymphedema, Balance, and Flexibility. Section on Women’s Health, American Physical Therapy Association, July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015.  Not funded:  $4900.

Fisher MI (Primary Investigator).  Effects of Yoga on Arm Volume in Women with Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema. University of Dayton Seed Grant, January - December, 2013.  Awarded: $1,500.

Fisher MI (Primary Investigator/Doctoral Candidate).  Arm Function among Long Term Breast Cancer Survivors.  Rehabilitation Sciences Doctoral Program Grant, 2009.  Awarded:  $2500.

Awards & Honors

  • 2020: Service Award, School of Education and Health Sciences, University of Dayton
  • 2019: President’s Award, Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy
  • 2017: Scholarship Award, School of Education and Health Sciences, University of Dayton
  • 2013: Teaching Award, School of Education and Health Sciences, University of Dayton
  • 2011: First Place Award for Poster Presentation - Graduate Clinical Sciences Division. A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Exercise on Arm Function in Breast Cancer Survivors.  Markey Cancer Research Day, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
  • 1997, 1998: Two-time performance recognition bonus, Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, OH
  • 1989: Mortar Board Senior Honorary, Springfield, OH
  • 1985-89: Wittenberg University Scholar, Springfield, OH

Research Interests

Dr. Fisher's latest research addresses functional problems that women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer experience after treatment. This includes studying the effects of lymphedema – swelling from a buildup of lymphatic fluid – in the arms of women who have been treated for breast cancer. This condition, often painful, can increase the likelihood of infection, reduce extremity function and diminish quality of life. Dr. Fisher’s work examines both prevention and management, addressing connections between activities such as yoga, weightlifting and everyday activities to strength, endurance and arm volume.

Selected Publications

Journal articles

Fisher MI, Geyer Lacy H, Davies C, Doherty D.  Oncology EDGE:  A Systematic Review of Measures for Cancer Related Fatigue.  Rehabil Onc. 2018; 36(2), 93-105. DOI: 10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000124

Cohn, J. C., Geyer, H., Lee, J., & Fisher, M. I. Oncology Section EDGE Task Force on Urogenital Cancer Outcomes: Clinical Measures of Lymphedema—A Systematic Review. Rehabil Onc, 2017; 35(3), 119-129. doi:10.1097/01.reo.0000000000000077

Davies C, Colon G, Geyer H, Pfalzer L, Fisher MI. Oncology Section EDGE Task Force on Prostate Cancer Outcomes:  A Systematic Review of Outcome Measures for Functional Mobility.  Rehabil Onc. 2016; 34(3) 82-96.  DOI: 10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000029.

Fisher MI, Lee J, Davies C, Geyer H, Colon J, Pfalzer L Oncology Section EDGE Task Force on Breast Cancer Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Outcome Measures for Functional Mobility. Rehab Onc. 2015 33(3) 19-31.

Stout NL, Harrington SE, Pfalzer LA, Fisher MI. Breast Cancer Rehabilitation: Clinical Examination and Outcomes Assessment. Top Geriatr Rehabil, 2015; 31(4) 258-272.

Fisher MI, Davies C, Colon J, Geyer H, Pfalzer L. Oncology EDGE: A Systematic Review of Strength and Muscular Endurance Measures in Prostate Cancer. Rehab Onc. 2015; 33(2) 37-44.

Donahoe-Fillmore B, Fisher MI, Brahler CJ. The Effects of Home-Based Pilates in Healthy College-Aged Females. J Womens Health Phys Therap. 2015; 39(2) 83-94. DOI 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000031.

Suckow DW, Brahler CJ, Donahoe-Fillmore, B, Fisher MI, Anloague PA. The Association Between Critical Thinking and Scholastic Aptitude on First-time Pass Rate of the National Physical Therapy Examination. J Stud Phys Ther Res 2015; 8(1).

Fisher MI, Davies C, Beuthin C, Colon G, Zoll B, Pfalzer C. Breast Cancer EDGE Task Force Outcomes: Clinical Measures of Strength and Muscular Endurance: A Systematic Review. Rehab Onc, 2014; 32(4)6-15.

Fisher MI, Donahoe-Fillmore B, Leach L, O’Malley C, Paeplow C, Prescott T, Merriman H. Effects of Yoga on Arm Volume among Women. View article >>

Book chapter

Berthold S, Fisher MI. Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation.  Cancer Survivorship: Transdiciplinary, Patient-Centered Approaches to the Seasons of Survival. Haylock PJ and Curtis C, eds.  Oncology Nursing Society.  Accepted with minor revisions. In press.

Selected presentations

Fisher MI, Fleischer A, Parent K, Roberts R, McClure M, Hendricks L.  Perceived Stress Levels May Impact Upper Extremity Function Among Women Treated for Breast Cancer.  American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine 94th Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.  October 2017.  Abstract published in Arch Phys Med.

Harrington S, Stout N, Fisher MI. Prospective Surveillance Model – An Update on Current Evidence for Implementation.  American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine 94th Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.  October 2017. 

Fleischer A and Fisher MI.  Distance Learning for Interprofessional Student Research. American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and Centennial Celebration, Philadelphia, PA. March 2017.

Gilchrist L, Harrington S, Fisher MI. Oncology EDGE Task Force: Measures of Pain and Fatigue in Cancer.  Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, San Antonio, TX.  February 2017.

Gilchrist L, Harrington S, Fisher MI.  Recommendations for Outcome Measure Use in Oncology Rehabilitation –The Evaluation Database to Guide Effectiveness (EDGE).  93rd Annual Conference, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.  Chicago, IL. November 2016.         

Donohoe-Fillmore B, Grant E, Fisher MI. The Use of the Four Square Step Test and the Y Balance Test to Assess Balance in Typical Children Ages 6-10 Years.  Ohio Physical Therapy Association Scientific Conference, Columbus, OH.  October 2016.

Fisher MI, Levy E, Harrington SE, Stout, NL, Gerber, NL, Pfalzer, L. Screening and Examination for Early Identification of Shoulder Impairment in a Prospective Surveillance Model for Women with Breast Cancer. Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, Anaheim, CA. February 2016.

Harrington SE, Fisher MI, Levy E, Stout, NL, Gerber, NL, Pfalzer, L. Cluster Impairments in Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer within a Prospective Surveillance Model. Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, Anaheim, CA. February 2016.

Harrington SE, Fisher MI, Levy E, Stout NL, Gerber N, Pfalzer L. Breast Cancer Survivors’ Pectoralis Minor Length: Outcomes of Prospective Surveillance. 92nd Annual Conference, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Dallas, TX, October 25-30, 2015.

Harrington SE, Fisher MI, Levy E, Gerber N, Pfalzer L, Stout NL. Breast Cancer Survivors’ Self-Reported Symptom Distress and Limitations in Activities and Participation: Outcomes of Prospective Surveillance. 92nd Annual Conference, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Dallas, TX, October 25-30, 2015.

Fisher MI, Pfalzer L, Levy EW, Harrington SE, Gerber NL, Stout N. A Comparison of the Scapular Flip Test Between Women with Breast Cancer and Healthy Controls. World Confederation of Physical Therapy, Singapore. May 2015.

Fisher MI, Pfalzer L, Levy EW, Harrington SE, Gerber NL, Stout N. A Comparison of the Upper Limb Lift Test Between Women with Breast Cancer and Healthy Control Subjects. World Confederation of Physical Therapy, Singapore. May 2015.

Fisher MI, Huang MH, Hile E. Breast Cancer EDGE: Clinical Measures of Functional Mobility, Balance, and Peripheral Neuropathy. Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, Indianapolis, IN. February 2015.

Fisher MI, Donahoe-Fillmore B, Ford M, Cho M, Morris O, Feucht K, Merriman, H. Yoga in Women with Breast Cancer Related Upper Extremity Lymphedema: Effects on Arm Function, Arm Volume, and Balance. Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, Indianapolis, IN. February 2015. Abstract published in Rehab Onc 2015; (33)1: 76-77.

Pfalzer LA, Fisher MI, Davies C, Harrington SE. Prostate Cancer EDGE: Clinical Measures of Muscular Endurance and Strength, Functional Mobility, and Quality of Life. Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, Indianapolis, IN. February 2015.

Fisher MI, Donahoe-Fillmore B, Ford M, Cho M, Morris O, Feucht K, Merriman, H. Effects Of Yoga On Arm Volume, Quality Of Life, Self-Reported Arm Function, Shoulder Motion, And Balance In Women With Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema. National Lymphedema Network 11th International Conference, Washington DC. September 2014. Abstract published in conference proceedings.

Fisher MI, Uhl TL, Langenkmap T, Schulze L, Weible S. Typical Measures of Upper Extremity Function in Adult Women. Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, Las Vegas, NV. February 2014. Abstract published in Rehab Onc 2014; (32)2: 29. Also presented at OhioHealth Focusing on Excellence Conference, May 2014.

Drouin J, Fisher MI, Harrington S, Morris S. Oncology Section Edge Task Force on Breast Cancer Outcomes: Clinical Measures of Strength, Endurance and Quality of Life in Individuals Treated for Breast Cancer - A review of available assessment and outcome measures and their psychometric properties. Combined Sections Meeting, APTA, Las Vegas, NV. February 2014.

Fisher MI. Arm Function after Breast Cancer Treatment. STARS Symposium, University of Dayton. Dayton, OH. September 2013.

Fisher MI, Pfalzer L, Levy E, Harrington S, Stout N. Baseline Characteristics of the Upper Limb Lift Test among Women Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  International Society of Lymphology.  Rome, Italy, September 2013. Abstract published in conference proceedings.

Harrington S, Pfalzer L, Levy E, Fisher MI, Stout N.  Patient-Reported Outcomes in Women with and without Subclinical and Clinical Lymphedema.  International Society of Lymphology. Rome, Italy, September 2013. Abstract published in conference proceedings.

Fisher MI, Uhl TL, Brown C, Golden K.  A Comparison of Arm Function between Long Term Breast Cancer Survivors and Healthy Controls.  Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, January 2013. Abstract published in Rehab Onc 2013; (31)1: 52.

Brahler CJ, Donahoe-Fillmore B, Fisher MI, Anloague PA.  Critical Thinking and Academic Performance are associated with NPTE Scores in Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Graduates.  Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, San Diego, CA, January 2013.

Brahler CJ, Hess NJ, Lorenzo BM, Fisher MI, Donahoe-Fillmore B, Glenn T.  Adolescents Engaged In At Least Five Hours Of Physical Activity Weekly Show Numerous Health Benefits.  American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, June, 2012.

Levangie, PK, Fisher, MI, Perdomo, M, Kendig, T. Oncology Section Task Force on Breast Cancer Outcomes.  Combined Sections Meeting, APTA, Chicago, IL. February 2012.

Fisher MI. A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Exercise on Arm Function in Breast Cancer Survivors.  Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, New Orleans, LA February 2011, abstract published in Rehab Onc 2011; 29(1): 27-28; and Markey Cancer Research Day, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, March 2011.  

Brahler CJ, Donahoe-Fillmore B, Fisher MI.  The Effects of Problem-based Learning on Critical Thinking in Graduate Physical Therapy Students.  Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, New Orleans, LA, February 2011.

Fisher MI, Howell D. An ICF-based model to empower and improve self-efficacy of breast cancer survivors.  Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, San Diego, CA, February 2010. Abstract published in Rehab Onc 2010; (28)1:26.

Donahoe-Fillmore B, Brahler CJ, Beasley K, Fisher MI, VanCleave H, & Bowman R. The Effects of Home-Based vs Class-Based Pilates in Healthy College-Aged Females.  Combined Sections Meeting,

American Physical Therapy Association, San Diego, CA, February 2010. Abstract published in J Womens Health Phys Therap 2010; 34(1): 26.

Capilouto GJ, Fisher MI, Granger D, Isaacs K & Joyner K.  Nursing Perspectives of Readiness to Bottle Feed in Preterm Infants.  American Speech and Hearing Association, New Orleans, LA. November 2009.

Fisher MI.   Oncology Rehabilitation for Therapists:  A Focus on Breast Cancer.  West Central District Meeting of the Ohio Physical Therapy Association, October 2012.

Fisher MI.   Oncology Rehabilitation for Therapists:  A Focus on Breast Cancer.  University of Findlay, March 2012.