DPT Newsroom

Duke recently hosted Dustin Grooms, PhD, ATC, a professor from Ohio University, for an insightful presentation on the role of neuroplasticity in rehabilitation following ACL injury.

On January 14, 2025, Teoma LaShawn, PT, DPT, MDiv, led an engaging session with Fellows in the Office of Black Church Studies at Duke Divinity School. Dr. LaShawn shared insights on the benefits of collaborating with physical therapists to promote health within the Black Church context. She highlighted how physical therapists and clergy can work together to leverage the unique strengths of Black congregations—such as trust, community, and support—to address health disparities within the African American community.

The School of Medicine Office for Faculty recently announced that Teoma LaShawn, PT, DPT, MDiv, has been selected as a 2025 ADVANCE-UP Scholar. She recently began the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Faculty Development Residency program. This honor recognizes Dr. LaShawn's exceptional physical therapy contributions and dedication to fostering academic diversity and inclusion.

On January 3, the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program welcomed admitted students and their guests to campus for an admissions Open House.

The Duke Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Research Group completed the fall 2024 dates of its Seminar Series with three insightful lectures that highlighted cross-institution collaboration and knowledge sharing.

J. Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and director of Post-Professional Education and Educational Innovation at the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program, has been elected as the next President of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Dr. Covington’s election is a significant recognition of his leadership, dedication, and contributions to physical therapy.

Katharine A. Sublett, SPT, has been accepted into the highly esteemed 2024-2025 NC Medical Society (NCMS) Academy for Future Healthcare Leaders cohort. This prestigious program is designed to support the next generation of healthcare professionals and provide them with the tools and resources needed to become leaders in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Katherine Johnston is a first-year Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student with a rich heritage that includes the Caddo, Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Pawnee, and Delaware tribes. She grew up in Oklahoma City, surrounded by a vibrant Native American community. Some of her favorite memories are of attending Caddo Dances and Stomp Dances with her cousins, where her family taught her about their traditions and history. 

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program made a notable impact at the 2024 American Physical Therapy Association North Carolina (APTA NC) Annual Conference at High Point University, showcasing its commitment to advancing the field of physical therapy.

An American Council of Academic Physical Therapy task force on Clinical Education Placement Capacity and Process Innovation, chaired by Jamie Greco, PT, DPT, EdD, recently completed its work.