Holly Brown, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Hometown, State
Birmingham, Alabama
What inspired you to pursue this degree?
My mom is a physical therapist, so I was introduced to the field early on! I was drawn to physical therapy because it uniquely brings together my passions for empowering others, building meaningful relationships, and supporting diverse communities through their recovery journeys.
Why did you choose Duke?
I chose Duke because of the people — I left my interview experience excited about the opportunity to grow and learn from faculty and staff who invest deeply in their students, a cohort representing diverse backgrounds and experiences, and a program culture that emphasizes collaboration and team-based learning. Do you have a favorite memory from your program? As a huge Alabama fan and proud Duke student, it doesn’t get much better than being front row in Cameron to watch Duke beat Auburn!
How do you hope to make an impact with your career?
I hope to use my career to improve how patients experience care in our health care system by ensuring they feel heard, supported, known, and empowered to actively participate in their recovery. I’m also excited to continue advocating for the advancement of the field, centering marginalized voices, and serving my community through meaningful, patient-centered care.
What was the most important thing you learned at Duke?
I learned the impact of mentorship — my PT school experience at Duke University was above and beyond what I could have ever expected, thanks to the guidance and support I received from faculty, staff, clinical instructors, and alumni. Their mentorship didn’t just teach me clinical skills: it shaped how I think through problems, approach patient care, and use my voice to help shape the future of the profession.