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  • Dr. Ryan Carlisle ’08, DPT ’10

    Physical Therapist, Center Manager

    NovaCare,
    Edinboro, PA
    General Science, B.S.
    Doctor of Physical Therapy


    Dr. Ryan Carlisle graduated in 2008 with a degree in General Science and received his Doctorate of
    Physical Therapy in 2010, both from Gannon University.  He was a member of the inaugural “3 + 3” physical therapy class that allowed him to obtain his bachelors and doctorate degrees in 6 total years. He was also a member of the Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity, a Gannon Tour Guide and was a teaching and graduate assistant in the cadaver lab during his years on campus.

    As a Gannon student, Dr. Carlisle enjoyed his time conducting research, giving tours to prospective students and working in the cadaver lab. He states that, “The DPT program prepared me to be a therapist by using a systems-based program tackling each system of the body one at a time.” He is also grateful for the four separate field work placements he had which gave him PT experience across the country prior to graduation.

    Dr. Carlisle currently works as a physical therapist and manager at NovaCare Physical Therapy in Edinboro, PA. He also remains engaged at Gannon serving as an adjunct professor teaching PT seminar 110 to undergraduate PT students.  He is trained in The McKenzie Method and Post-Concussion Management.   Ryan's philosophy is to become your ‘family physical therapist’ and not just someone you come to when a doctor prescribes it.

    Eight days after graduating with his doctorate in PT, Dr. Carlisle married Erin Gaydos.  Erin, a 2008 and 2009 master’s graduate from Gannon’s occupational therapy program, worked at HealthSouth of Erie. In May of 2011, Erin passed away suddenly.  Ryan remembers, “Being so overwhelmed during this time, the Gannon community offered me so much help and support. Gannon is truly a special place and I am forever grateful for the support and love that I was shown.”

    In 2011, Erin’s parents, John and Marianne Gaydos, and Ryan established the Erin Gaydos Carlisle Memorial Endowed “Power” Scholarship in Occupational Therapy to honor Erin’s life and her belief in the value of occupational therapy.   Many community events and private donors have helped this scholarship grow to endowment status over the past 7 years. Since being established, $48,400 has been awarded to 29 fifth year Occupational Therapy Students from this very special scholarship.  Ryan lives in Millcreek with his wife, Amy, and their daughters Alice (4) and Penny (1).  In his free time he enjoys kayaking, running and traveling. His advice to those entering Gannon is to “view every experience with the glass half full and you will learn something from it.”