Mat Haager, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Mat is running for Nominating Committee Member in the 2020 Board Elections. 

My name is Mat Haager, and I received my undergraduate degree in Biology from Wartburg College in 2010. While at Wartburg College, I was the captain of the varsity soccer team, and reached multiple NCAA tournaments. I obtained my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Regis University in 2014, and moved on to get my Orthopaedic Clinical Specialty in 2017. I recently completed a Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy at Regis University, and while completing this I began as adjunct professor at Regis University. I practice at Denver Health Medical Center in outpatient, where I enjoy working with a diverse patient population, while I also engage in managerial operations working as the lead physical therapist. I also enjoy engaging in original research, and have been involved in studies investigating cervical extensor musculature after a whiplash injury, as well as submitting a proposal for funding a pilot study looking at effects of neural techniques after femoral nerve blocks in the post-operative patient population. In my spare time I enjoy fly fishing, running, and spending time with my dog.

Why do you feel qualified to serve in the above position?

As someone who has spent the duration of their career as a physical therapist working in the state of Colorado, I have made meaningful connections with other members of the profession. Specifically, within the Mile High District, I have created many networks across settings including outpatient orthopaedics, inpatient and acute rehab, as well as the private sector. Through development of these relationships, I am poised to effectively aide in the selection of future leadership, not only for the Mile High District, but throughout the state.

Why do you want to serve in the above position?

Integrating with and striving toward a leadership position has always been one of the driving forces as my professional life has progressed. Leadership within our profession can take many forms, both within the clinic as well as a voice outside the clinic as an advocate of the profession. As a clinic lead, I am in a unique position to enact change within the clinic. As a new Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, I have an increased desire to enact change outside the clinic as well.