School of Health Professions Appoints New Faculty
By Office of Communications & Marketing | Jul 28, 2025
Appointments Affirm Downstate’s Commitment to Academic Excellence, Innovation, and Student-Centered Mentorship in Physical Therapy Education
We welcome Yasser Salem, PT, PhD, MS, NCS, PCS, to the School of Health Professions, where he joins the Physical Therapy Program as Professor and Program Chair.
With more than 25 years of academic and clinical experience, Dr. Salem brings a remarkable depth of expertise and leadership to our community. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Central Arkansas. He is dual board-certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. He is recognized as a Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS) and a Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS).
Dr. Salem’s professional development includes completing the prestigious Education Leadership Institute Fellowship through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), further cementing his reputation as an influential voice in the field. He has a distinguished record of leadership in research, teaching, and service, which will enhance our mission to prepare the next generation of physical therapy professionals and expand our impact nationally and globally.
As a scholar and prolific researcher, Dr. Salem, former Chair of the PT program at Hofstra University, has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to scientific books and book chapters, and delivered over 400 peer-reviewed presentations at conferences worldwide. His contributions as first author on many of these works reflect his thought leadership and commitment to advancing physical therapy practice and education. His research has garnered multiple grants and accolades, including the Lucy Blair Service Award from APTA in 2022 and the Outstanding Physical Therapy Researcher Award from the Texas Physical Therapy Association in 2016.
Dr. Salem remains engaged in professional service and leadership, having held influential roles within the APTA, CAPTE, ABPTRFE, ACAPT, and World Physiotherapy. He also lends his expertise to the scholarly community as a co-editor, associate editor, and editorial board member for several prominent journals, while regularly reviewing national and international scientific publications and conferences.
We also welcome Genevieve B. Smith, PT, DPT, OCS, as Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy. Dr. Smith has over a decade of clinical
expertise in outpatient orthopedics, neurology, and vestibular rehabilitation. She
holds board certification in orthopedic physical therapy and advanced vestibular and
concussion rehabilitation credentials.
Dr. Smith earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University and is pursuing an EdD in Movement Science at Teachers College, Columbia University, focusing on motor learning and control.
Her research interests center on postural control and cognitive-motor interference in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and athletes with concussion. Dr. Smith has held previous teaching appointments at Ithaca College and Long Island University, where she mentored students and coordinated foundational physical therapy courses.
Dr. Smith is an engaged leader within the American Physical Therapy Association and the New York Physical Therapy Association, having served as Speaker of the Assembly and currently holding positions on both the Nominating and Judicial Reference Committees. Herappointment reflects our continued investment in faculty who bring clinical strength, academic rigor, and a passion for guiding students in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.
Please join us in welcoming Drs. Salem and Smith to the Downstate community.