Barbara Kellerman Smith

Dr. Barbara Smith completed her MPT from the University of Pittsburgh and a PhD in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Florida. A physical therapist with experience in acute care and ICU clinical practice, she is an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at University of Florida. Dr. Smith has nearly 30 years of experience in respiratory muscle strength training research and clinical practice. She serves as the Chair of the Research Committee for The Academy of Acute Care Physical Therapy and is a 2026 research grant recipient from the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. Her research interests are the control of breathing in conditions of health and disease, and harnessing rehabilitation and regenerative therapies to restore ventilation in cases of injury or disease.