One of the top questions from prospective students to the Pitt Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is about clinical placements and experiences—after all, that is where some of the most important real-world skills are applied and where students can network and gain valuable experience for their physical therapy (PT) career.
Pitt Physical Therapy’s Vice Chair for Clinical Education Hallie Zeleznik oversees the structure and strategy of the clinical education program and ensures that students are well-prepared to thrive when they enter the profession. Learn more below about Zeleznik and the depth she brings to our students in both teaching and clinical settings!
The Pitt PT Clinical Education Experience
Please tell us about your role as a visiting associate professor and as vice chair for clinical education at Pitt PT.
I transitioned into my full-time role at Pitt in April 2024, but my connection to the program goes back much further when I started as an adjunct faculty member in 2007! Over the years, I’ve taught in the neuromuscular curriculum, focusing on brain injury and stroke, as well as in the evidence-based practice series. My involvement with clinical education also runs deep. I’ve supported students as a clinical instructor and served as part of the Pitt Clinical Faculty group, collaborating with the academic team to strengthen and evolve the clinical education experience for students.
Teaching has always been one of the most energizing parts of my career whether in the clinic or the classroom. I love sharing my passion for the profession and am constantly inspired by the curiosity, insight and drive that Pitt PT students bring to their learning.
What value do you believe you bring to clinical education? How do you elevate the learning experience or “bring it to life?”
With over two decades of experience across inpatient, outpatient and system-level roles, I bring a broad and practical perspective to clinical education. My background allows me to connect the dots between what students learn in the classroom and what they’ll encounter in real-world practice. I aim to “bring it to life” by integrating clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice and reflection, helping students see not just the “what,” but the “why” behind their decisions.
I also believe in the power of mentorship and collaboration. Whether I’m working with students, clinical instructors or faculty, I strive to create a learning environment that’s supportive, reflective and grounded in professional growth. My goal is to help students build confidence, think critically and see the many directions their careers can take.
At Pitt, we’re intentional about designing clinical education experiences that are immersive, individualized and aligned with real-world practice. Whether students are in our residential or hybrid pathways, we ensure they have access to high-quality, hands-on learning through strong partnerships with clinical sites and instructors who are invested in student success.
How can Pitt PT students benefit from your strong background in clinical environments?
Before joining Pitt full time, I spent over two decades with the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, where I had the opportunity to grow across a variety of clinical and leadership roles. I began in acute care, working with patients in oncology, cardiac and stroke care, and later developed a strong clinical interest in brain injury rehabilitation. Over time, I expanded my scope to include outpatient neurologic and vestibular rehab, and eventually moved into system-wide leadership, supporting physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services across hospitals, inpatient rehab programs, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics.
In my most recent role with UPMC as director of Strategic Initiatives and Professional Development, I led large-scale, evidence-based implementation projects, such as integrating standardized outcome measures across both inpatient and outpatient settings. Through all of this, I’ve continued to treat patients, which keeps me grounded in clinical practice.
What I’ve learned through all of these experiences is that you can have more than one professional passion, and there are so many ways to grow within our field regardless of where we start out. For Pitt PT students, I hope my experience offers insight into the many directions a physical therapy career can take, whether in clinical care, leadership or systems-level innovation, and how staying rooted in evidence and patient care can guide that journey.
The Pitt PT Difference
What is Pitt’s approach to ensuring student success?
Student success at Pitt is rooted in a culture of excellence, support and innovation. We take a holistic approach that combines rigorous academic preparation, robust clinical experiences and a strong emphasis on professional development. In clinical education specifically, we maintain open lines of communication with our clinical partners and provide ongoing support to both students and clinical instructors throughout each clinical education experience. Our goal is to ensure that every student not only meets the required competencies but also grows into a confident, reflective and adaptable clinician.
Discovering the Rewards of a Physical Therapy Career
How did you become interested in a physical therapy career?
Believe it or not, my journey into physical therapy started with a Reader’s Digest magazine. When I was growing up, our grandparents used to send us subscriptions, and I loved flipping through the mini-stories like “Humor in Uniform” and “Life in These United States.”
One month, I came across a feature story about a child’s recovery through physical therapy after a car accident. Something about that story just clicked and I decided right then and there that I wanted to be a physical therapist when I grew up. I’ve never looked back. That early spark turned into a lifelong passion, and I feel fortunate to have found a career that blends science, movement and human connection in such a meaningful and dynamic way.
What do you find rewarding about a career in physical therapy?
There are so many rewarding aspects of this profession, but what stands out most to me is the opportunity to work with individuals during some of the most challenging moments in their lives. It’s especially rewarding to be able to show up with compassion, empathy and clinical expertise; to meet people where they are, knowing that their needs and experiences can shift from day to day. Every patient brings a unique story, and part of our responsibility is to truly listen, understand that story and apply our knowledge to address their individual goals through evidence-based care. I also genuinely love the science behind what we do. Physical therapy is a powerful blend of connecting with individuals on a personal level and clinical reasoning, and I think that’s what makes it such a fulfilling and intellectually engaging career.
Fun Facts
What fun facts would you like students to know about you?
I’m happiest when I’m outside and moving! I’m an avid runner and skier, and I’ll jump at any chance to hike, bike or try something active…basically, if it gets me outdoors, I’m in. My husband and I share our home with two very entertaining pets: Jenny, our dog, and Jackson, our cat. We also love to travel and catch live music whenever we can. I grew up right here in Pittsburgh and am lucky that my family is still close by. I have a brother and a sister, both with families of their own, and I love spending time with my nieces and nephew. As a Pittsburgh native, I’m always excited to recommend my go-to spots around the city!
