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Melissa Cofer, PT, DPT, CLT

Melissa Cofer PT, DPT, CLT Photo

Provider Type: Physical Therapist

Specialties:
  • Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
  • Chemotoxicity and Cancer Exercise
Certifications:
  • Lymphedema Therapist

Metro Area: Austin
Spoken Language: English

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General Summary

Dr. Cofer has clinical experience and specialty training in oncology rehabilitation since 2016. She is experienced in providing quality care throughout the cancer journey, from diagnosis through lifelong survivorship. She works with patients across many different cancer diagnoses and is knowledgeable in pre-op assessment and post-op rehabilitation, as well as managing the side effects of chemo and radiation therapies.

Education

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy
    Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
  • Master of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies
  • The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
    The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
  • Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS), Sebastian, FL
  • Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORi), Centennial, CO.

Accolades & Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association, member
  • American Physical Therapy Association, Oncology Section, member
  • Texas Physical Therapy Association

Previous Clinical Practice

  • Texas Oncology – Austin North, Physical Therapist, Austin, TX (since July 2018)
  • Baylor Scott and White, Physical Therapist, Pflugerville, TX (Aug 2017 – June 2018)
  • Clinical Education as Student Physical Therapist (June 2016 – Mar 2017) including:
    • Oncology Rehab, Denver, CO (oncology, lymphedema, neurology)
    • The Hospital at Westlake, Austin, TX (inpatient and outpatient orthopedic)
    • St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, Austin, TX (lymphedema, pelvic health, oncology)
    • Concentra – William Cannon, Austin, TX (outpatient orthopedic)

What is your personal philosophy around patient care?

Cancer rehabilitation is a team effort between the physical therapist and the patient. I believe in empowering patients with education and tools for long-term success in their wellness journey, and that every oncology patient deserves individualized attention to their changing needs, as well as compassionate hands-on care.

Why did you become a doctor?

After being a caregiver to my mother through both breast and ovarian cancers, I learned that I had the BRCA gene mutation and chose to undergo preventative treatment. Through my personal journey in the cancer world, I became interested in helping others through theirs. My clinical practice is dedicated in memory of my mother.

Other Information

Dr. Cofer enjoys road tripping and hiking with her wife and daughter. She lives with two very spoiled cats.