About

Dana McCarty is a pediatric physical therapist and clinical researcher dedicated to improving outcomes for high-risk infants and their families through developing and testing innovative physical therapy interventions in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Her research began with a focus on cranial molding deformities, particularly dolichocephaly in preterm infants, where she led the first study to track its development and risk factors during hospitalization. She later demonstrated the effectiveness of a Midliner Positioning System in improving cranial outcomes. Building on her clinical insights, Danadeveloped and tested a therapist-led, parent-centered intervention to support both infant development and maternal mental health while pursuing a PhD in Maternal and Child Health. Her dissertation used mixed methods to identify barriers to maternal presence in the NICU, resulting in actionable, community-informed recommendations for institutions to increase maternal access to their infants in the NICU.

Dana’s work has also contributed to the broader field through her involvement in a multidisciplinary research consortium, where she helped identify key components of effective NICU-to-home interventions. Her current research, funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, explores an Immersive Therapy Model (ITM) designed to increase therapy dosage and parent-therapist interaction in the NICU. This model addresses disparities in care access, particularly for families with low socioeconomic status, by enabling more flexible and frequent engagement. Her research trajectory reflects a strong commitment to family-centered, evidence-based care that bridges clinical practice and public health.