Kaleigh Duggan, DPT, PCS
Dr. Kaleigh Duggan, DPT, PCS, is a board-certified clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy with extensive experience providing care to children with complex medical needs. She currently serves as a Physical Therapist at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, where she delivers inpatient rehabilitation services for patients from birth through age 21. Her clinical expertise spans inpatient care, early intervention, and functional skill development, with a focus on helping children achieve meaningful, real-world outcomes that extend beyond traditional therapy goals.
Kaleigh’s journey into physical therapy began in middle school after a personal injury, where she experienced firsthand the transformative impact of rehabilitation. Inspired by her own therapist, she committed to a career in pediatric physical therapy and completed both her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees at Simmons University. Over the course of her career, she spent nearly eight years at Franciscan Children’s, an inpatient specialized medical facility, followed by early intervention work, before joining Rady Children’s Hospital. Her approach emphasizes patient-centered care, strong connections with children and their caregivers, and promoting functional outcomes that are meaningful in each child’s life.
Beyond her clinical expertise, Kaleigh is dedicated to advocacy and volunteer work. She has served as a volunteer with Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and as a marketing surveyor for the Boston Red Sox, demonstrating her commitment to community engagement. A member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Kaleigh continues to expand her knowledge and refine her practice to support children and families with complex needs. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active outdoors with her mini Labradoodle, blending her love for movement and meaningful connection both professionally and personally.
• Simmons University – Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Simmons University – Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Exercise Science
• Pediatric Physical Therapy Specialist Certification
• Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy
• American Physical Therapy Association
• Hand to Hand Volunteer – Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
• Marketing Surveyor – Boston Red Sox
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Inpatient Complex Medical Needs
- Early Intervention
- Birth to 21 Years
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
I love working with children of all ages, literally from birth to 21. What I enjoy most is my ability to really connect with the kids and their caregivers, and focus more on what they want to do versus just clinical goals. I make it successful for them to participate in activities that are meaningful to them, rather than just focusing on them getting stronger in isolation. I help them get stronger in ways that are meaningful to them. When they're infants, I make sure that the medical care they're receiving, or any diagnosis they have, isn't setting them up for any long-term deficits, or if that's the case, I find ways to minimize those. As soon as they're able to start practicing rolling and sitting, I help them learn how to do that.