All blog items

Like many people, I would consider my relationship with my chronic illness complicated. It becomes even more complicated when I am pursuing the path of becoming a health care provider in a system I am often frustrated with as a patient. 

Teoma LaShawn, PT, DPT, MDiv, faculty development resident, Duke's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, recently served as a guest speaker for the North Carolina Black Occupational Therapy Collective, delivering a powerful message centered on the theme “Confidently Taking Up Space.” LaShawn opened the session with words that set the tone for an afternoon of empowerment and reflection.

When Xiomara Mañón Boyce experienced cancer for the third time, she came to Duke for treatment. She immediately saw a huge difference between receiving cancer care here as opposed to somewhere else. Now, as a Duke Cancer Institute patient navigator, Xiomara uses her own experience to help cancer patients navigate their journey. She sees her role as the perfect blend of the empathy and personal care she provides and the research and clinical science behind the treatment. In this story, Xiomara shares her experience and the passion her whole team has for the patients they serve. (Log in with Duke NetID and password.)

Congratulations to three outstanding members of the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) community on their recent election as Delegates for APTA North Carolina:

September 12 was National Day of Encouragement. Le Well partnered with DPT Student Affairs Office to offer rock painting, coloring and learning about Kawa.

Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) faculty member Antoine Bailliard, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, professor of orthopaedic surgery, recently served as keynote speaker at the Occupational Science Symposium hosted by the University of Southern California. This prestigious event has featured thought leaders such as Stephen Hawking, Jane Goodall, and Anthony Damasio. Dr. Bailliard was awarded the Wilma West Lecture in recognition of his research in advancing occupational science.

Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students recently stepped into the world of espionage for a one-of-a-kind learning experience—a spy-themed escape room designed to sharpen their clinical skills.

When nearly 700 clinicians, educators, and researchers gathered for the 2025 American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) Conference, the energy in the room was electric. This annual event has long been a key platform for advancing manual therapy practice and research, but this year had an added significance: it was led by Derek Clewley, PT, DPT, PhD, FAAOMPT, assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and associate director of the Center for Excellence in Manual and Manipulative Therapy at Duke University.

The Office for Faculty is offering a 2.5-day Faculty Leadership Foundations program covering topics such as managing self and others, having challenging conversations, and understanding how academic medical centers are financed. This learning intensive is free to regular rank faculty in School of Medicine departments. Sessions will be held February 16, 17, and 18, 2026. Individuals can register for single days or all three. Registration will remain open until 11:59pm on December 7, or until capacity is reached.