Cathy Furbish

About Dr. Furbish

“Research is the bridge between hope and possibility.”

That belief drives Dr. Furbish’s work at the intersection of rehabilitation and innovation. With decades of experience as a physical therapist and research coordinator, she blends clinical expertise with scientific rigor to advance therapies that transform lives. From inpatient care to cutting-edge trials, her mission is clear: connect discovery to real-world recovery.

Dr. Furbish’s journey began at Shepherd Center in 1991, where she worked across inpatient, outpatient, and day programs, as well as seating clinics and research. After a decade of hands-on rehabilitation, her focus shifted when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, inspiring her to pursue cancer rehab and research. In 2016, she returned to Shepherd to contribute to pharmaceutical and device research, clinical trials, and research coordination in the Hulse Spinal Cord Injury Laboratory, guiding studies from recruitment through data management and performing physical assessments and therapy treatments.

Research specialties

• Clinical trials for novel drugs and devices seeking FDA approval
• Rehabilitation strategies for spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple sclerosis (MS), and acquired brain injury (ABI)
• Translating research into therapies that improve mobility and independence

Education & training

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) – Arizona School of Health Sciences, 2006
• B.S., Physical Therapy – University of Louisville, 1991

Certifications

• Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) – Society of Clinical Research Associates
• Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) – Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy

Why her work matters

Dr. Furbish’s research bridges the gap between science and the human spirit of recovery. By advancing innovative treatments for complex neurological conditions, she helps patients regain independence and return to active, healthy lifestyles. Her work spans the continuum of care — from acute rehabilitation to adaptive sports — creating opportunities for enhanced mobility, increased confidence, and quality of life.

“The work at Shepherd is meaningful because every study represents hope. It’s about giving patients the chance to reclaim their lives and thrive beyond injury.”

Her passion is deeply personal: her husband sustained a C7 spinal cord injury and went on to become a Paralympic gold and bronze medalist (track) and world-record holder in waterskiing (slalom and jump events). Together, they coach Shepherd Center’s Adaptive Waterski Team year-round, turning challenges into victories on and off the water.