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The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is proud to announce the featured speakers for two cornerstone events in 2026. Dr. Megan Donaldson, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT, Chair of Rehabilitation Sciences at MUSC and President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, will present the Eleanor Branch Lecture on Friday, May 8. A leader in education, clinical practice, and service, Dr. Donaldson’s lecture will inspire reflection and forward-thinking among students, faculty, and staff.

Breaking Barriers and Finding Strength During Hardship Life’s challenges don’t wait for you to be ready to take them on; they may happen at times you least expect. This became clear during my senior year of high school, when I became emancipated from my parents and found myself virtually homeless. After becoming estranged from them, my dreams of attending college seemed impossible, especially when they refused to sign my financial aid papers. I knew I wanted to practice medicine and become a physician assistant (PA), a path that required a college degree.

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

Two health care leaders with Duke University’s Schools of Nursing and Medicine, Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda and Dr. Viviana Martinez-Bianchi, have devoted their careers to improving health outcomes for Latiné/Hispanic populations.

On Friday, September 12, 2025, Le Well and the DPT Student Affairs Office sponsored Day of Encouragement activities in the IPE Building.  Activities included coloring and rock painting (with a goal of starting an encouraging rock garden in the Medical Center Library.

Dr. Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and director of Post-Professional Education and Educational Innovation in the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program, was recently honored as a guest of the Taiwan Physical Therapy Association in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Dr. Covington also serves as President of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

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

In celebration of National Encouragement Day, students from Duke’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs came together for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and camaraderie. The event was co-hosted by Duke LeWell and the Duke DPT program, offering a refreshing opportunity for students to pause, reflect, and support one another.

Do you know the “K” that designates NIH’s career development awards is actually short for ‘kangaroo’? Just as a mother kangaroo provides support and care for its joey, the mentoring team guides the mentee to become a scientist in a metaphorical marsupial pouch. This analogy illustrates how assembling the right mentoring team is integral to the success of the application.

We’re excited to welcome Melissa Werz, OTD, OTR/L, CDRS, to the Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) division, where she joins us as a Lecturer and Director of the CAMP program. Melissa brings a lively mix of clinical expertise, creativity, and a strong commitment to student development—qualities that make her a great addition to our community.