DPT Newsroom

This past spring, Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students and faculty traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)’s annual Day on the Hill—an initiative dedicated to amplifying the voice of physical therapy professionals in legislative discussions.

On May 14, Duke DPT students gathered at Bull McCabe's Irish Pub in downtown Durham's historic Five Points area to celebrate and send off the second-year students as they embark on their Terminal Clinical Experiences (TCEs). It was a fantastic evening filled with camaraderie and well wishes. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the night truly memorable!

On May 8, 2025, Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, faculty, and staff gathered at the Trent Semans Center for Health Education to hear from the distinguished Dr. Lisa VanHoose, PT, PhD, MPH, FAPTA, the featured Visiting Professor for this year’s Eleanor Branch Lecture. Dr.

In an evening filled with joy, pride, and heartfelt reflection, family, friends, and loved ones celebrated the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Class of 2025 at the Hooding and Recognition Ceremony. Held on May 10, 2025, at the Washington Duke Inn, this milestone event marked a profound transition for 98 graduates, who began their journey as classmates and emerged as esteemed physical therapy professionals.

This weekend, Duke proudly celebrates the incredible achievements of the Class of 2025, honoring their dedication, perseverance, and excellence. Special congratulations to the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy honorees, whose hard work and commitment have earned them well-deserved recognition. As we reflect on the national, university, school, and departmental awards presented to these outstanding individuals, we applaud their contributions to the Duke community and beyond.

On May 7, Duke DPT students took on the 239-step climb to the top of Duke Chapel, experiencing breathtaking views of West Campus, Durham, and beyond. The Chapel Tower Climb was a unique opportunity for students to bond, challenge themselves, and see their campus from a whole new perspective. This experience fostered camaraderie and appreciation for Duke's rich history and landscape.

Duke University's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has risen to the No. 4 spot in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report Rankings. This milestone underscores the program's unwavering commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and student success.

This past Saturday, Duke’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students had the chance to inspire and engage with the next generation of healthcare professionals at the Duke Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP) Health Professions Fair. The event was part of HPREP's ongoing initiative to introduce high school students to various careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and health professions and encourage them to pursue these fields.

The Duke Department of Orthopaedic Surgery recently welcomed a new IT analyst, Matthew Wilkinson, who joined the team this month to support faculty and staff with their technology needs.

Matthew, originally from Oxford, has always had an interest in the computer field, which led him to pursue a degree in computer science at UNC Charlotte with a concentration in robotics, AI, and gaming. “During college, I had an internship at Duke in cybersecurity,” Matthew shared. “That experience inspired me to return to Duke full-time.”