The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recently hosted its 50th annual Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in Houston from February 13 to 15. As the largest physical therapy conference in the U.S., CSM attracted thousands of practitioners, students, and professionals for a week of networking, learning, and professional development. The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program was well represented at this event, showcasing the depth and breadth of the Duke DPT community.
More than 150 Duke representatives attended CSM, including current students, alums, faculty (current and former), clinicians, and graduates of the Duke Rehab residencies and fellowships. This group made significant contributions, presenting 165 sessions throughout the conference, reinforcing Duke's reputation in the physical therapy field.
A New Perspective as APTA President
After attending CSM at least 18 times, Kyle Covington PT, DPT, PhD, and Class of 2004 alum, said being there as APTA President for the first time was a completely different experience. He led the Board meeting, the national component (States and Academies) leadership meeting, and provided remarks for key events throughout the week.
“Duke is always very visible and participates at such a high level at APTA's national events,” he said. “It makes me proud to see how engaged our community is at the national level and witness all the support and comradery Duke DPT alumni provide for each other and our students at events like CSM.”
Awards Ceremony
Duke’s DPT community made a significant impact at the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Awards Ceremony, where several members were honored for their accomplishments:
- Said Mendez, a third-year student, received the Outstanding Physical Therapy Student Award from the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy.
- Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, and Corey Simon, DPT, PhD, were honored with the Rose Excellence in Research Award.
- Sean Rundell (Class of 2005) presented the Outstanding Research Poster Award as Chair of the CSM Abstract Review Workgroup.
- Rosie Canizares, PT, DPT (Class of 2007), received thanks for her service on the Awards Committee.
Specialty Recognition Ceremony
APTA President Kyle Covington, presided over the Specialty Recognition Ceremony, where the Duke DPT community celebrated the accomplishments of 37 newly board-certified clinical specialists, 28 recertified specialists and many other alums and graduates of the Duke Rehab residencies. Recognized alums and specialists included:
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Specialty Council: Kayla Holz Black (Class of 2014) and Katie Stewart Sanford (Class of 2008)
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Specialization Academy of Content Experts: Eder Garavito, Karlyn Green, Tyler Mullen (Class of 2021), and Allyson Sutkowi-Hemstreet (Class of 2014)
- Orthopaedic Specialization Content Experts: Cody Ballay, Griffin Lee (Class of 2010), James Massey, Justin Zych (Class of 2015)
- Wound Management Specialization Academy of Content Experts: Alan Lee (Class of 1994)
Alumni Celebration and Awards
The Duke Physical Therapy Alumni & Friends Reception was a highlight of the event, drawing 252 attendees who came together to celebrate the achievements of the Alumni Association award recipients. Among those recognized were:
- Distinguished Alumni: John Lowman (Class of 1995)
- Emerging Leader: Garrett Bullock (Class of 2017)
Additionally, Moyo Aremu-Cole Tillery (Class of 2011) was elected as the new President of the Duke Physical Therapy Alumni Association, and Kathy Trantham Reitano (Class of 1994) was elected Director at Large.