Rate My Professor Michael Shoemaker

Michael Shoemaker, PT, DPT, PhD, GCS, is a Professor and Program Director in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program within the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training at Grand Valley State University. He holds a B.S. in Physical Education/Exercise Science from Calvin College (1996), a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University (1999), and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences from Western Michigan University (2012). Shoemaker maintains an active clinical practice at Spectrum Health, specializing in acute care for cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine, including cardiothoracic critical care. His professional experience includes roles as Physical Therapist, Clinical Specialist, Subacute Team Leader, and Consultant, where he developed interdisciplinary programs for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, post-lung transplant protocols, outpatient geriatric rehabilitation, and balance and pulmonary rehabilitation services from 1999 to present.

Shoemaker's research focuses on cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, quantification of daily physical activity in heart failure patients, health policy, and simulation in health professional education. He has authored or co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications, including the Physical Therapist Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Individuals with Heart Failure (Physical Therapy, 2020), Clinically meaningful change estimates for the six-minute walk test and daily activity in individuals with chronic heart failure (Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, 2013; cited 256 times), Grip strength values stratified by age, gender, and chronic disease status in adults aged 50 years and older (Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 2015; cited 107 times), and Direct consumer access to physical therapy in Michigan (Physical Therapy, 2012). His work has advanced clinical guidelines and outcome measures in physical therapy. Shoemaker received the Lucy Blair Service Award from APTA Michigan (2021), American Physical Therapy Association Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section Mentor Award (2018), Midwest Interprofessional Practice and Education Collaborative Faculty Award (2019), Western Michigan University Outstanding Alumni Award (2015), and Michigan Physical Therapy Association President’s Award (2011). As past President of the Michigan Physical Therapy Association, he has contributed to policy advocacy, education, and interprofessional initiatives.