William “Jody” Wilkinson, MD

Program Director, BS in Kinesiology, and Professor, Department of Kinesiology

Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5457
Fax: (626) 815-5084
Photo of William “Jody” Wilkinson, MD

Biography

William “Jody” Wilkinson, MD, is physician and exercise physiologist who has been with APU’s Department of Kinesiology since January 2015. Prior to coming to APU, he was a physician at the Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas where he served as the medical director for research and director of the Center for Weight Management. Wilkinson began his teaching career as a faculty member with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. He has authored two books, several textbook chapters, and peer-reviewed research articles, as well as professional and popular publications related to exercise, wellness, and weight management. He has clinical and research expertise in exercise physiology, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, obesity, pharmacology, preventive medicine, and public health, and has been a principal investigator and medical director for several research studies funded by the National Institutes of Health and private industry.

Wilkinson’s current scholarly interests are in the areas of Christian approaches to health and wellness and the application of spiritual disciplines to the process of lifestyle change, including the engagement in exercise as a faith-based practice. He is currently developing a comprehensive lifestyle program, called WellS.H.A.P.E., to help students discover their vocational identity and develop the habits of success and health needed to activate and live out their calling in life.

Wilkinson has a passion for teaching and has taught courses in pathology, physiology, pharmacology, exercise physiology, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and health promotion and wellness. He also has an interest in the application of technology in teaching and incorporates several innovative teaching methods into his courses.

Wilkinson volunteers with a national organization called Back on My Feet, which combats homelessness through the power of running, and engages students in several aspects of this organization in downtown Los Angeles. He is a member of the APU Wellness Council, APU Creation Care Council, and has served on APU’s Faculty Senate. He is currently the faculty advisor the Kappa Iota Nu (KIN) Honor Society and the Health Professions Association. Wilkinson is married and has four children. He enjoys the outdoors and endurance activities, including bicycling, trail running, and hiking.

Academic Area

  • School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences
    • Department of Kinesiology

Expertise

  • Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Obesity
  • Preventive Medicine
  • Public Health

Courses Taught

  • KIN 363 – Physiology of Exercise
  • KIN 473 – Fitness and Exercise Prescription