DPT Newsroom

In celebration of National Encouragement Day, students from Duke’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs came together for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and camaraderie. The event was co-hosted by Duke LeWell and the Duke DPT program, offering a refreshing opportunity for students to pause, reflect, and support one another.

Dr. Todd Cade, PT, PhD, FAPTA, professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and division chief of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, was recently part of a team interviewed by Maggie Newland of CBS17 to discuss a new therapy for Barth syndrome. This rare genetic disorder affects heart and muscle function. With nearly 20 years of experience studying the condition, Dr.

Dr. Adam Goode, PT, DPT, PhD, professor of orthopaedic surgery at Duke University and president of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP), is spearheading Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month (RDAM) 2025 with a strong message: physical activity is a powerful yet underutilized tool in managing rheumatic conditions.

The Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Research Seminar Series welcomed Brian Pietrosimone, PhD, ATC, to Duke on August 27 for a compelling presentation titled “Biomechanical Path to Osteoarthritis Following Knee Injury and a GAIT-way to Improved Outcomes.” Dr. Pietrosimone is a professor in the Department of Exercise Science, Director of the Motion Science Institute (MSI), and Co-Director of the Sports Medicine Institute.

We’re excited to welcome Nicholas LeBlond, PT, DPT, ATC, LAT, OCS, FAAOMPT, to the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy program! A proud Duke DPT alumnus, Nick brings a deep passion for sports physical therapy, mentorship, and the Duke community. Let’s hear from him directly:

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Class of 2028 gathered at the Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans Center for Health Education to kick off their academic journey with a warm and inspiring welcome from leaders across the Duke School of Medicine.

As the Fall 2025 semester begins, Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student Alvin So shares his inspiring journey from international fencing competitions to the classroom and clinic. Featured in a conversation with Duke School of Medicine Dean Mary Klotman, MD, Alvin reflects on how a serious injury—and the care he received during recovery—sparked his passion for physical therapy.

As part of a broader effort to expand global health initiatives and establish new international partnerships, faculty members from Duke Orthopaedics and the Duke Global Health Institute traveled to Peru in May.

On June 26–27, Duke’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs came together to host the 4th Annual High School ImpACT Program. We welcomed eight students from City of Medicine Academy and Hillside High School for two days of hands-on learning, exploration, and connection centered around health, wellness, and the impactful roles of OTs and PTs in our communities.

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program proudly hosted its 2025 Summer Discovery Program (SDP) from June 9 to 13, welcoming 20 undergraduate students from across the country for an immersive week of exploration, mentorship, and hands-on learning.