All blog items

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.

Since the infamous year 2020, there has been a major shift in how things are done. Although some time has passed since that first move to remote life, virtual platforms still play a big role in how our world operates today. Interviews are no exception. 

How cross-institutional collaboration is shaping the next generation of biomedical researchers

Dr. Todd Cade, PT, PhD, FAPTA, professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and division chief of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, was recently part of a team interviewed by Maggie Newland of CBS17 to discuss a new therapy for Barth syndrome. This rare genetic disorder affects heart and muscle function. With nearly 20 years of experience studying the condition, Dr.

Dr. Adam Goode, PT, DPT, PhD, professor of orthopaedic surgery at Duke University and president of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP), is spearheading Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month (RDAM) 2025 with a strong message: physical activity is a powerful yet underutilized tool in managing rheumatic conditions.

Our mission is to provide centralized services to support SOM students and others involved in the healthcare learning environment.  Check out our website.

The Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Research Seminar Series welcomed Brian Pietrosimone, PhD, ATC, to Duke on August 27 for a compelling presentation titled “Biomechanical Path to Osteoarthritis Following Knee Injury and a GAIT-way to Improved Outcomes.” Dr. Pietrosimone is a professor in the Department of Exercise Science, Director of the Motion Science Institute (MSI), and Co-Director of the Sports Medicine Institute.

New approach uses bacterial genes to restore both strength and rhythm of damaged hearts.