Duke DPT Community Shares Research and Leadership at 2026 APTA CSM

DPT CSM 2026

As always, Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) was exceptionally well‑represented at the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA's) Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), held earlier this month in Anaheim, California. This year’s gathering once again highlighted the depth and breadth of Duke’s leadership across clinical practice, scholarship, and service within the profession.

Duke faculty, students, alumni, and graduates of the Duke Rehabilitation residency and fellowship programs collectively contributed 147 presentations that showcased innovative research, clinical excellence, educational leadership, and community-engaged scholarship. Their work reflected the program’s continued commitment to advancing physical therapy and improving health outcomes locally and globally.

Four posters authored by Duke colleagues received special recognition from the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation, earning ribbons for their contributions to social responsibility. Honorees included:

  • Dr. Matt Harville, Faculty Development Resident
  • Hina Javed, DPT ’18
  • Beth Buzzell, DPT ’14
  • Annalisa Na, DPT ’09

These projects exemplified Duke’s mission-driven focus on equity, advocacy, and community impact.

The weekend also offered opportunities for celebration and reconnection at the Duke Physical Therapy Alumni and Friends CSM Reception. During the event, Gerard Brennan, DPT ’75, and Brittany Swann Wilmoth, DPT ’14, were re-elected to their second terms on the Duke Physical Therapy Alumni Association Board of Directors. The program also honored two outstanding graduates:

  • Distinguished Alumni Award: Karen Yundt Lunnen, DPT ’73
  • Emerging Leader Award: Michelle Anumba, DPT ’16

Duke DPT alumni were also prominently recognized at the APTA Specialty and Proficiency Ceremony, where several graduates were celebrated as newly board‑certified clinical specialists across multiple practice areas. In addition, Jerry Wang, DPT ’21, received a CSM Travel Award from the Academy of Physical Therapy Research in recognition of his scholarly promise and contributions.

As part of his national leadership role as APTA Orthopedics Director of Research, Jeff Taylor, DPT ’05, presented the prestigious Rose Excellence in Research Award to fellow Duke alumnus Cory Christiansen, DPT ’96, highlighting the program’s long-standing impact on advancing orthopaedic science and evidence-based practice.

CSM also included a special moment of gratitude and reflection: a reception honoring Faculty Emeritus Bob Bartlett for his decades of service, mentorship, and enduring contributions to the profession and to the Duke community.

From influential presentations to national awards, reunions, and recognition ceremonies, Duke DPT’s presence at CSM 2026 underscored the program’s ongoing leadership in shaping the future of physical therapy.

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