Scott Rivera, P.T., D.P.T., Ed.D., O.C.S., is a board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and physical therapist with more than 13 years of clinical experience across a variety of healthcare settings. His professional background is rooted primarily in orthopaedic physical therapy, with additional experience in acute care, subacute rehabilitation, and the management of medically complex patients with orthopaedic and neurologic conditions.
Through his work in sports medicine and orthopaedics, Dr. Rivera has had the opportunity to work with world-class athletes across multiple sports, including serving as the lead physical therapist for a professional soccer team. Throughout his career, he has developed a strong clinical interest in evidence-based musculoskeletal rehabilitation, manual therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and concussion management.
Dr. Rivera has pursued extensive post-professional training in orthopaedic manual therapy and advanced clinical practice. He is certified in vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management and has completed advanced coursework through several nationally and internationally recognized continuing education organizations. His advanced training includes the Mulligan Concept, as well as extensive study through Maitland Australian Physiotherapy Seminars and the Institute for Physical Art. These experiences have helped shape his patient-centered approach to clinical reasoning, movement analysis, and rehabilitation.
In addition to his clinical expertise, Dr. Rivera is passionate about teaching and professional education. He earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, where his doctoral studies focused on educational principles and their application within the health professions. His dissertation research examined blended synchronous learning in physical therapy education. His academic interests include clinical education, curriculum development, student learning, faculty development, and the integration of evidence-based teaching strategies into health sciences education.
A strong commitment to professional development led Dr. Rivera to a leadership role in Professional Development and Outcomes Analysis at Yale New Haven Health System. In this position, he led clinical improvement initiatives, developed innovative programs, and established a comprehensive professional development framework aligned with the organization's strategic vision. His work focused on advancing clinical excellence, supporting workforce development, and promoting continuous quality improvement across rehabilitation services.
Dr. Rivera received both his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining New York Medical College, he taught orthopaedic and pathology coursework at Dominican University and Sacred Heart University, where he worked closely with physical therapy students to develop foundational clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and professional competencies. His teaching philosophy emphasizes active learning, clinical application, and the development of reflective practitioners who are prepared to meet the evolving demands of contemporary healthcare.
At New York Medical College, he remains committed to fostering student success through mentorship, evidence-based instruction, and meaningful clinical integration.
Education
- Ed.D., Teaching and Learning, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
- D.P.T., Physical Therapy, Quinnipiac University
- B.S., Health Sciences, Quinnipiac University
Areas of Expertise
- Orthopaedics
- Sports
- Manual Therapy
- Vestibular Dysfunction
- Concussion
Memberships and Affiliations
American Physical Therapy Association
Teaching Responsibilities
- Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy I, II, III
- Kinesiology; Health and Wellness
- Clinical Decision Making for the Complex Patient
