Heidi Eigsti

Dr. Heidi Eigsti serves as Professor and Dean of the School of Rehabilitative and Health Sciences at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. She earned her BSPT from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, completed advanced training through a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities fellowship, and obtained both her DPT and PhD in Pediatric Science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. A Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist since 1997, Dr. Eigsti brings over three decades of clinical experience in pediatric physical therapy, having served in leadership roles at Children's Hospital Colorado and maintained a clinical presence throughout her academic career. Her extensive background combines direct patient care with educational innovation, positioning her to lead the development of future rehabilitation professionals.

As an accomplished scholar and educator, Dr. Eigsti has established herself as a national leader in cultural competence and leadership development in healthcare education. Her research focuses on intercultural competency, leadership development, and outcome measurement in pediatric populations, with numnerous peer-reviewed publications and national and international presentations. She has secured multiple research grants and serves as a reviewer for prominent journals including the Journal of Physical Therapy Education and Pediatric Physical Therapy. Dr. Eigsti's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is demonstrated through her role as founder of the Western Region Program Director Collaboration, her extensive work with the Intercultural Development Inventory, and her recognition as the 2022 RHCHP Diversity Champion. Her leadership extends beyond Regis through service on multiple professional committees, consultation roles with state agencies, and sustained community engagement with organizations serving underserved populations.