Jamila Aberdeen, PT, DPT, MBA

Jamila Aberdeen, PT, DPT, MBA, joined Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in 2008 and currently serves as Director of the Center for Rehabilitation, providing strategic and operational leadership for one of the nation's leading pediatric rehabilitation programs. She oversees inpatient, outpatient and specialty rehabilitation services, partnering with physician, nursing, operational and executive leaders to advance clinical excellence, improve access to care and deliver exceptional outcomes for children and families.

With more than 15 years of experience in pediatric physical therapy and healthcare leadership, Jamila has led operational transformation, developed high-performing teams and advanced innovative models of care. Her work encompasses strategic planning, quality improvement, digital transformation, workforce development, financial stewardship and interdisciplinary collaboration. Throughout her leadership career, she has championed initiatives to strengthen rehabilitation services, expand specialty programs, improve access and enhance the patient and family experience.

Jamila's leadership is grounded in a broad clinical foundation. Her experience as a physical therapist has included the care of adults, children and adolescents across outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine, pediatric inpatient and acute rehabilitation, and adult acute care, including orthopedics, cardiology, oncology and general medical-surgical populations. During her clinical tenure at CHOP, she contributed to numerous specialty programs and multidisciplinary clinics, including the Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome Program, Healthy Weight Program, Hemophilia Clinic, Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy Program and Bone Health Program. Highlights of her clinical work include caring for patients whose journeys have been featured in CHOP patient stories, including Stephanie's acetabular dysplasia story and Maia's elite athlete story, as well as the story of an amputee athlete who completed the Philadelphia Marathon following treatment for osteosarcoma.

Central to Jamila's leadership philosophy is a commitment to developing others. She is particularly passionate about mentorship and coaching, both for future clinicians and emerging administrative leaders, and values helping others navigate their professional development and grow into leadership. Her commitment to education has also extended to the classroom. She has lectured at the University of the Sciences (now Jefferson University), Drexel University and Arcadia University and served as adjunct faculty from 2010 to 2025.

Jamila is equally committed to health equity and community service. She has volunteered through CHOP's Global Health program and with organizations and events including Reach, Special Olympics, the Philadelphia Marathon and the Kidz Tri3 Triathlon. These experiences complement her commitment to expanding access and creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.

Through her clinical, academic and administrative leadership, Jamila remains committed to advancing pediatric rehabilitation, improving access to high-quality care and developing the next generation of clinicians and healthcare leaders who will shape the future of care.