Students in the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Class of 2027 began their graduate school journey on August 5. The 104 students in the class attended an orientation week packed with programming that laid the groundwork for a successful start to their program.
Initial sessions helped them get to know one another in addition to DPT faculty and staff. Later during a resource fair, students spoke with employees and students from across the university about ways students can receive support and engage the community. To emphasize the importance of self-care, Student Services Director Jeff Hoder, PT, DPT, asked students to take out their phones, take a selfie, and look at the photo. “That is your first patient,” he said. “You need to care for that patient over the next three years.”
Overall, the week imparted vital knowledge and nurtured students’ relationships with each other and the DPT community. With three years of studies in front of them, Division Chief Todd Cade, PT, PhD, FAPTA, encouraged students to “Reach out, explore, and embrace the opportunities and support that surround you at this great institution.”
