Catherine Bilyeu, PhD

Catherine Bilyeu is head of the physiotherapy department at the University of Manitoba. In this role Dr. Bilyeu serves as the academic and business leader for the program, with direct curriculum and faculty development oversight. She is also an associate professor and physiotherapist, with a teaching approach grounded in transformative, experiential, and social constructivism learning theories.

Dr. Bilyeu’s career includes prior leadership roles as the Associate Director of Clinical Education and Faculty Residency Coordinator at the University of Colorado. Her clinical practice focused on orthopedic physical therapy with an emphasis on complex patient management.

Dr. Bilyeu received a PhD in Health Sciences, centered on education and curriculum development in the health professions from the University of South Dakota, a DPT from the University of South Dakota and a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy from the University of Manitoba. 

She is a frequently invited speaker at national conferences and events, with research focused on enriching student learning through the development of educator competence and identity, assessment of educator teaching behaviors, faculty development and innovative curriculum design.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy, Health Sciences, University of South Dakota

Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of South Dakota

Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, University of Manitoba

Awards

Cerasoli Educator Award, University of Colorado, 2025

CU DPT Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Colorado 2022

DPT Student Clinical Instructor of the Year,    APTA Colorado Chapter, 2015

Dr. Roy Osborn Lifelong Learner Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement School of Health Sciences, University of South Dakota, 2013

Outstanding Center Coordinator of Clinical Education Award, Physical Therapy Program, University of Colorado, 2012