DPT Newsroom

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.

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.

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Division is pleased to announce that Derek Clewley, PT, DPT, PhD, has been appointed Assistant Director of Curriculum, effective January 1, 2026.

October marks National Physical Therapy Month—a time to celebrate and recognize the exceptional work of our Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), educators, and researchers who are advancing the field every day. 

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is proud to announce the featured speakers for two cornerstone events in 2026. Dr. Megan Donaldson, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT, Chair of Rehabilitation Sciences at MUSC and President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, will present the Eleanor Branch Lecture on Friday, May 8. A leader in education, clinical practice, and service, Dr. Donaldson’s lecture will inspire reflection and forward-thinking among students, faculty, and staff.

Dr. Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and director of Post-Professional Education and Educational Innovation in the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program, was recently honored as a guest of the Taiwan Physical Therapy Association in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Dr. Covington also serves as President of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).