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On May 8, 2025, Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, faculty, and staff gathered at the Trent Semans Center for Health Education to hear from Lisa VanHoose, PT, PhD, MPH, FAPTA, the distinguished professor for this year’s Eleanor Branch Lecture. Dr.

In an evening filled with joy, pride, and heartfelt reflection, family, friends, and loved ones celebrated the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Class of 2025 at the Hooding and Recognition Ceremony. Held on May 10, 2025, at the Washington Duke Inn, this milestone event marked a profound transition for 98 graduates, who began their journey as classmates and emerged as esteemed physical therapy professionals.

CASPA has officially opened. Perhaps you’ve submitted your application early. Now, after the rush of preparation, all that’s left is to wait. Application review times may vary and can sometimes feel like an eternity. While this can be nerve-racking, there are some helpful ways to stay busy and prepare for your next potential steps!

This weekend, Duke proudly celebrates the incredible achievements of the Class of 2025, honoring their dedication, perseverance, and excellence. Special congratulations to the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy honorees, whose hard work and commitment have earned them well-deserved recognition. As we reflect on the national, university, school, and departmental awards presented to these outstanding individuals, we applaud their contributions to the Duke community and beyond.

On May 7, Duke DPT students took on the 239-step climb to the top of Duke Chapel, experiencing breathtaking views of West Campus, Durham, and beyond. The Chapel Tower Climb was a unique opportunity for students to bond, challenge themselves, and see their campus from a whole new perspective. This experience fostered camaraderie and appreciation for Duke's rich history and landscape.

Live Webinar on Monday, May 12: How to set up your microRNA sequencing project for success

In April, I was honored to travel to Philadelphia to present at the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA) Inspire Conference alongside my undergraduate lab from the University of Florida. This momentous experience was filled with learning, connection, and a deep appreciation for the ever-evolving field of occupational therapy.

The most important thing I learned at Duke was how to think like a clinical researcher—asking the right questions, designing meaningful studies, and translating data into impact.

The most important lesson I’ve learned at Duke is how profoundly the training environment shapes your scientific mindset and productivity.

I knew that by attending Duke I would learn from and collaborate with faculty and staff conducting cutting edge research as well as having access to state-of-the-art instrumentation through the Duke Core Research facilities.