Deborah G. Kelly, PT, MSEd, CLT-LANA^CM

Associate Professor, Division of Physical Therapy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky

Debbie Kelly has 25 years of experience in physical therapy with an emphasis on the integumentary system including thermal injury, acute and chronic wounds and, more recently, lymphedema. She has been a faculty member at the University of Kentucky for the past 14 years. Professor Kelly’s research focus has been directed towards the early detection and accurate diagnosis of lymphedema. She has written a textbook for health professionals: A Primer on Lymphedema, published by Prentice Hall, on current lymphedema management concepts. She has presented on this topic at state and national meetings. She has been an advocate within the state of Kentucky for the introduction and advancement of patient education and effective intervention for lymphedema. In recent years, she has been funded for two unrestricted educational grants through the Komen Foundation and the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center. Grant monies were used to assure that rural Appalachia, as well as urban areas of Kentucky, would be served by therapists certified in current lymphedema management techniques. She has completed special education in lymphedema management, including Certification in MLD/CDT, intermediate and advanced training. She currently serves on the Exam Committee and the Qualifications Committee of the LANA Board of Directors. In addition to full teaching, research and service assignments, she treats patients with lymphedema, both in a private practice and at the University of Kentucky Clinic.