DPT Newsroom

Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students recently stepped into the world of espionage for a one-of-a-kind learning experience—a spy-themed escape room designed to sharpen their clinical skills.

When nearly 700 clinicians, educators, and researchers gathered for the 2025 American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) Conference, the energy in the room was electric. This annual event has long been a key platform for advancing manual therapy practice and research, but this year had an added significance: it was led by Derek Clewley, PT, DPT, PhD, FAAOMPT, assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and associate director of the Center for Excellence in Manual and Manipulative Therapy at Duke University.

The November Interdisciplinary Rehabilitative Research Seminar brought together faculty, students, and clinicians from Duke’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs for an engaging session led by visiting professor Catherine E. Lang, PT, PhD, FASNR, FAPTA, Barbara J. Norton Professor of Physical Therapy, Professor of Neurology and Occupational Therapy, and Associate Director for Movement Science PhD Program at WashU Medicine.

This month, we honor the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform by sharing their stories. Rob Farris, a U.S. Navy veteran and current Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy student, reflects on his journey from maintaining communications systems aboard a naval ship to pursuing a career dedicated to helping others move and heal. His perspective offers a powerful reminder of resilience, growth, and the commitment to serve—both in the military and in healthcare.

Duke Orthopaedics celebrated Halloween in style with our annual social and virtual costume contest—and what a frightfully fun time it was! The festivities kicked off with a pizza lunch (thank you, Dr. Alman!), setting the stage for an afternoon filled with music, laughter, and community-building opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. It was wonderful to see everyone come together to share in the spirit of the season.

At the October session of Duke’s Interdisciplinary Rehab Research Seminar Series, Dr. Michael Iwama, Professor in the Occupational Therapy Division at Duke Orthopaedic Surgery and Assistant Director of Duke’s Health Center for Interprofessional Education and Care, delivered a compelling presentation titled “The Kawa Model: De-colonizing Occupational Therapy.”

This past weekend, faculty members from the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Education Innovation Lab presented a research poster at the 2025 APTA Education Leadership Conference (ELC) in Kansas City, Missouri. The project, titled “Perspectives of Clinical Education Faculty About Professionalism in Physical Therapist Students,” was a collaborative and intentionally mentored qualitative investigation involving both experienced and emerging education researchers within the lab.

Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, faculty, and alumni made an impressive impact at the 2025 APTA North Carolina Annual Conference, held this past weekend at Elon University. With 18 third-year students presenting 12 research posters—many co-authored by Duke faculty and alumni—the conference showcased the depth and excellence of Duke DPT’s scholarly contributions.

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) has announced a significant update to its 2024 Standards and Required Elements (SREs), marking a key milestone for academic physical therapy and the future of faculty development.

In a compelling session of the Interdisciplinary Rehabilitative Research Seminar Series, Duke DPT and Duke OTD co-hosted a presentation by Amy M. Pastva, PT, MA, PhD, Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of Research for the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Division. Her talk, “The Vital Sign We Forgot: Function in Acute Heart Failure—Evidence from REHAB-HF and REHAB-HFpEF,” highlighted an often-overlooked marker of health and recovery: physical function.