Estefania Zapata-Rodriguez, PT, DPT

Estefania Zapata-Rodriguez, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist with IU Health. She divides her clinical time between the Center of Life for Thoracic Transplant outpatient clinic and the acute care cardiovascular and medical inpatient units.

Zapata-Rodriguez earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Puerto Rico, a Master of Science in biomedical sciences from New York University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Indianapolis. She completed a cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy residency with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Louis and is pursuing board certification as a cardiovascular and pulmonary clinical specialist.

Driven by a passion for improving outcomes for people living with cardiopulmonary conditions, she uses evidence-based rehabilitation practices to maximize functional recovery, independence and quality of life. Her work with heart and lung transplant recipients inspired her to pursue research that addresses clinical knowledge gaps and improves post-transplant survival rates. She is also committed to advancing health equity by improving access to organ transplant services and waitlist survival for underserved populations.

Zapata-Rodriguez is a certified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys baking, crocheting, playing video games, traveling to Puerto Rico to visit family and competing in regional powerlifting competitions.