Joel Stevans, DC, PhD

Dr. Joel Stevans serves as the Associate Director of Experiential Learning and a Visiting Associate Professor in the newly formed Doctor of Chiropractic Program at the University of Pittsburgh. Over his 30-year career as a chiropractor, he has distinguished himself as a clinician, educator, researcher, and healthcare executive. As a clinician, Dr. Stevans was an early adopter of interprofessional treatment models, collaborating with rehabilitation and medical specialists to provide comprehensive patient care. His research in health services and implementation science focuses on ensuring that patients receive the most effective, evidence-based care—while avoiding treatments proven ineffective.

Dr. Stevans also excels as an educator, emphasizing student engagement and dynamic, hands-on learning. In his executive roles, he led initiatives to expand the use of evidence-based treatments across acupuncture, physical therapy, and chiropractic settings, improving both care quality and affordability. At the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Stevans is committed to designing transformative experiential learning opportunities within academic medical centers, the Veterans Administration, community health organizations, and diverse chiropractic offices. These immersive, interprofessional experiences will help students deepen their clinical competence, build a strong professional identity, and learn to thrive in today’s collaborative, team-based healthcare environment.