DPT Newsroom

A major pragmatic clinical trial published this month in JAMA Network Open offers new insight into how the U.S. health system can support Veterans living with chronic low back pain—one of the most common and disabling conditions affecting former service members.

Duke Orthopaedic Surgery continues to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration in rehabilitation research through its Interdisciplinary Rehabilitative Research Seminar Series, which this week featured Megan Kennelly, MD, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery with expertise in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM).

During Women’s History Month, Duke Orthopaedics celebrated the women whose leadership and contributions continue to shape the department—and Duke DPT is proud to spotlight the faculty, staff, and students who carry this legacy forward. From educating and mentoring future clinicians to advancing research, clinical care, and community engagement, women across Duke DPT play a vital role in strengthening the program and the profession.

Congratulations to the following individuals who have been elected to serve as class officers for the DPT Class of 2028: Vice President: Rob Farris Treasurer: Gia Ebel Secretary: Faith Lawrence GPSG Senator: Genna Bickford We thank all the candidates for a well-run election and for your willingness to step forward in service to your class!

Held on May 17, 2025, the student‑led Duke DPT 5K event raised $4,183 in support of physical therapy research through the Foundation of Physical Therapy Research (FPTR) as part of the VCU‑Marquette Challenge. Co‑organized by Reghan Flores, alongside student leaders Emily Ryan and Mason Kosik, the Duke DPT 5K was made possible through strong faculty mentorship, past philanthropy leaders, generous sponsors, and the support of the Duke DPT family and local community.

What is it really like to be a Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student? First‑year DPT student Alex Park offers an authentic answer in a newly released Day in the Life video that takes viewers behind the scenes of the program. Created in collaboration with Kelly Reynolds, PT, DPT, NCS, PhD, assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, the video follows Park through a typical day in the Duke DPT curriculum—highlighting hands‑on experiences that help shape students into patient‑centered clinicians. 

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program participated in the inaugural Duke National Health Research Conference (DNHRC)—a new national forum bringing together undergraduate and recently graduated scholars from across the country to share innovative research, connect with faculty experts, and build meaningful professional networks. Designed to advance medical discovery and spark interdisciplinary collaboration, the conference welcomes research from all health‑related fields, spanning STEM, social sciences, and the humanities.

As always, Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) was exceptionally well‑represented at the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA's) Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), held earlier this month in Anaheim, California. This year’s gathering once again highlighted the depth and breadth of Duke’s leadership across clinical practice, scholarship, and service within the profession.

In the spirit of the Olympic Games, Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy welcomed Olympic medalist and Duke alum Shannon Rowbury for an inspiring conversation centered around her new book, Strong as a Mother. Moderated by Duke DPT alum and faculty member Dr. Laura Pietrosimone, the event created a thoughtful forum for discussing female athlete health and well‑being across the lifespan.

The Interdisciplinary Rehabilitative Research Seminar Series welcomed Steven Z.