The White Coat Ceremony marks a significant milestone for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, symbolizing their transition into clinical practice and reaffirming their commitment to patient care and professional growth. On June 6, at Duke Chapel, the Class of 2026 will welcome Moyo Tillery, PT, DPT, OCS, as its keynote speaker—a distinguished leader in physical therapy and a proud Duke DPT alumna.
Dr. Tillery, a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, graduated from Duke’s DPT program in 2011. As a student, she was an integral part of the Diversity Task Force, demonstrating her early commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the profession.
Her career began in acute care, but she soon found her passion in outpatient occupational health. She quickly rose to Concentra Medical Center's ranks, serving as a Center Therapy Director, Clinical Instructor, and Site Coordinator of Clinical Education, before being promoted to associate director of Clinical Services and Southeast Region Coordinator of Clinical Education.
Dr. Tillery’s dedication to mentoring future physical therapists has remained a career hallmark. As a teaching assistant for Duke DPT’s anatomy lab, a fellowship-trained specialist through The Manual Therapy Institute at Duke Orthopaedics, and an entrepreneur, she has continually shared her expertise with students.
Through Duke’s Summer Discovery Program (SDP), she has led engaging sessions on entrepreneurship and mentored students since the program’s inception. Since 2016, she has mentored several Duke DPT students and new graduates, strengthening the pipeline of emerging professional leaders.
A Champion for Advancing the Profession
Dr. Tillery’s contributions extend far beyond the classroom. In 2022, she joined the Duke Physical Therapy Alumni Association Board of Directors, and earlier this year, she was elected its President. In honor of Black History Month, WebPT recognized her as one of the 8 PTs Who Have Transformed the Profession.
Currently, she serves as an assistant professor and director of Admissions at Tufts University DPT – Boston while also serving APTA North Carolina as chair of the Student Scholarship Committee. Her leadership within professional organizations is extensive—she has held roles in the APTA Academies of Orthopaedics and Education, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT), and the National Association of Black Physical Therapists.
Dr. Tillery has shared her expertise through various platforms, including:
- AAOMPT Podcast, discussing Conversations About Race for Improved Healthcare
- AAOMPT blog, as a featured fellow
- APTA North Carolina Continuing Education webinar series, presenting The Collaborative Model of DPT Clinical Education and Best Practices for Managing Occupational Injuries
As a Rizing Tide Beachcomber, Dr. Tillery has fostered a community for students selected for prestigious scholarships, including four members of the Duke DPT Class of 2026. Her unwavering dedication to mentoring, advocacy, and excellence in physical therapy makes her an inspiring figure for future professionals entering the field.
Welcoming Dr. Tillery as the White Coat Ceremony keynote speaker is a special moment for the Duke DPT Class of 2026. It celebrates her journey from student to leader and reaffirms the values of service, excellence, and inclusivity that she embodies.