Marcus Roll, PT, DPT, is an assistant professor in the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, with a clinical focus on adult neurologic rehabilitation.
Q: When did you join the DPT division?
A: I joined Duke DPT as a student in 2008, returned as a faculty resident in 2016, and became a core faculty member in 2018.
Q: What classes do you teach in the program?
A: I am the course director for Introduction to Patient Examination and Adaptive Technologies. I lead our case conference series, part of the PT professional practice courses, and I am a small group facilitator in our Cultural Determinants of Health and Healthcare Disparities course.
Q: Are you involved with any other classes, including those outside the program?
A: Yes, I frequently collaborate across several courses in the curriculum. In leading case conferences, I incorporate content from students' courses. I also assist in Neurologic Patient Management and the Neuroplasticity Advanced Practice Course.
Q: What have you done to enhance teaching within the program?
A: I am part of the Faculty Development Residency program. In this role, the residents work as co-course directors for Introduction to Patient Examination, and we critically examine how the course fits within the broader curriculum.
Q: What’s the latest research you’re involved with?
A: I’m collaborating with the Duke DPT Education Innovation Lab on a qualitative research study examining the perspectives of clinical education faculty on professionalism. Additionally, I am part of an interdisciplinary team led by Dr. Jody Feld that explores the use of adapted sports to challenge perceptions of disability.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about being a part of Duke DPT?
A: There’s so much to love about Duke! Our faculty, staff, and students constantly strive to improve teaching and learning, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. I enjoy teaching case conferences and discussing topics that don’t always fit neatly into the rest of the curriculum. It’s also gratifying to witness students’ progress from their first semester to their third year and graduation.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time away from Duke?
A: I love spending time with my family and being outdoors. I try to circle the nearby Al Buehler Trail most days for exercise. Recently, I’ve been perfecting my homemade pizza recipe to make the best pizza my 9-year-old has ever had!
