DPT News Archive

Faculty & staff honored at annual awards banquet: Elon University employees on May 15 celebrated teaching, scholarship, service and mentoring at a program in Alumni Gym.

Daryl Lawson publishes paper on impact of aquatic fitness: The paper, "A Case Study: Mobility and Health Impact of an Aquatic Fitness Program for a Woman With Intellectual and Physical Disabilities," was published in May in the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education.

DPT students give back in response to Boston Marathon bombings: Students in Elon University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program have been inspired to give back, in response to the bombings at the 117th Boston Marathon April 15.

Srikant Vallabhajosula publishes article in Surgical Innovation: Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Srikant Vallabhajosula co-authored an article that appeared in the the journal Surgical Innovation.

Daryl Lawson publishes article on wound healing: Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Daryl Lawson co-authored an article that appeared in the Journal of Acute Care Physical Therapy.

Free physical therapy screening for faculty, staff, and students

DPT students (Year III/final year) will be evaluating people who have musculoskeletal problems every Tuesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. in the Gerald Francis Center.

Srikant Vallabhajosula presents at Human Movement Science Research Symposium

Telemedicine broadens the DPT classroom experience: Students in Elon's Doctor of Physical Therapy program are using telemedicine to connect with physical therapists and patients across the country.

Physical Therapy faculty and students present research at national conference: Three Elon physical therapy research posters were recently presented at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections meeting in San Diego.

DPT program enrolls class of 2015: Elon’s three-year, full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy program enrolled the Class of 2015 this week.

Danieley Center-Francis Center road to adjust traffic pattern: During spring semester, the road will only carry traffic east-to-west, allowing for parallel parking along the road.

DPT program holds Commencement ceremony: Elon University leaders conferred degrees Sunday on 38 candidates in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

School of Health Sciences Advisory Board member honored with national Private Practice Section 2012 Robert G. Dicus award: Dr. Laurence N. Benz, DPT, OCS, MBA, President/CEO of PT Development LLC, co-founder of Evidence In Motion (EIM), and operator of nearly 40 clinics in four states, was named the national winner of the Private Practice Section 2012 Robert G. Dicus award.

Physician Assistant Studies program receives approval: Elon University’s new PA program has been granted provisional accreditation.

Twin Lakes creates endowed scholarship at Elon: A gift from the Burlington, N.C., retirement community will assist graduate students in the DPT and PA programs.

Physical therapy research selected for national conference: Research by the Department of Physical Therapy Education students and faculty will be presented at the 2013 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting in San Diego.

Srikant Vallabhajosula’s work presented at the American Society of Biomechanics Annual Conference: Srikant Vallabhajosula, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy Education, had his work presented at the 2012 American Society of Biomechanics Conference held in Gainesville, Florida. Vallabhajosula was the lead author for three posters and one podium presentations. He was a co-author on four other posters.

Physical therapy research selected for national conference

Srikant Vallabhajosula has article published in Gait Posture on Parkinson’s disease: Srikant Vallabhajosula, an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy Education, has published an article in the peer-reviewed journal Gait Posture.

Elon helps teen athletes monitor for concussions: Faculty & students are working with a Burlington high school football team to assess when players have recovered from head injuries.

DPT alumni pass the clinical specialist examinations for orthopedics and geriatrics: The Department of Physical Therapy Education congratulates DPT alumni Tim Miller G’07 on becoming a certified geriatric clinical specialist and Matt O’Neill G’07 on becoming a certified orthopedic clinical specialist.

Charity Johansson to present at the International Transformative Learning conference: Professor Charity Johansson of the Department of Physical Therapy Education will present at the tenth International Transformative Learning conference this November in San Francisco.

DPT alumni, students and faculty present at APTA annual meeting: Physical therapy research posters were presented by Elon alumni, students and faculty at the American Physical Therapy Association Annual Meeting in Tampa, Fla.

School of Health Sciences honors faculty achievements: Faculty and staff were honored April 25 for their commitment to teaching, service and scholarship.

School children visit Elon for "Bones and Backpacks" lesson: Fifth grade students from nearby Sylvan Elementary School get a lesson from DPT students, and offer thanks to LabCorp executives for research funding.

Chamber of Commerce visits Francis Center: Top local business and civic leaders on Tuesday toured Elon University’s new home for physical therapy education and physician assistant studies.

Daryl Lawson, DPT students present at NC State: Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Education Daryl Lawson and three year III DPT students were invited to speak at North Carolina State University on Monday, Feb. 20. by the president of the Pre-Health Minority Interest group, DeMonica Gentry.

Daryl Lawson receives research award: Daryl Lawson, assistant professor of physical therapy education, was selected for the second annual Wound Management Research Award by the American Physical Therapy Association Special Interest group in Wound Care during the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Section Meeting in Chicago on Feb. 9, 2012.

Charity Johansson and Susan Chinworth sign copies of their new book at combined meeting: Dr. Charity Johansson, professor of physical therapy education, and Dr. Susan Chinworth, associate professor of physical therapy education, signed copies of their new book, Mobility in Context: Principles of Patient Care Skills, at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association in Chicago February 8-11.

Bill Andrews has article published in Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation: Bill Andrews, PT, EdD, NCS, an associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy Education, has published an article in the current issue of the peer-reviewed journal Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation.

Elon DPT alumni and faculty present at American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting: Physical therapy research posters were presented by Elon DPT faculty and alumni at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting.

DPT program enrolls class of 2014: Elon’s three-year, full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy program enrolled the Class of 2014 this week.

Blake Russell G'01 competes in Olympic marathon trials: Blake Russell G'01 competed the Jan. 14 in the Olympic marathon trials but fell short in her quest to qualify for her second consecutive appearance in the Summer Olympic Games.

PHOTO GALLERY: Gerald L. Francis Center: Elon University's home for the School of Health Sciences opened this month on Haggard Avenue. Take a look at the new facility in an online photo gallery.

DPT class tours new Francis Center: The Gerald L. Francis Center opens this month as the new home of the School of Health Sciences at Elon University.

DPT program holds Commencement ceremony: Elon University leaders conferred degrees Sunday on 36 candidates in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

DPTE hosts 120 physical therapists for continuing education course: Elon’s Department of Physical Therapy Education hosted a complimentary 2-day continuing education course on Dec. 5 –6 for more than 120 North Carolina physical therapists.

DPT student research poster wins second place at conference: A research poster, The Effect of Task-Specific Training in a Person with Cerebellar Ataxia and Vertigo, by Pamela Cameron SPT (3rd year Doctor of Physical Therapy student) and Jane Freund PT, DPT, NCS (DPT faculty) won second place in the student category at the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association's Fall 2011 Conference.

DPT faculty member Janet Cope has article published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education: Janet Cope, Stewart Holt and several Elon DPT alumni (Erin Sanders, Laura Corriher and Davis Templeton) are authors of an article published in this month's Journal of Physical Therapy Education.

DPT students, faculty and alumni travel to Romania to educate and assist those in need: Bill Andrews, associate professor of physical therapy, led doctor of physical therapy students and alumni on a trip to Romania in August 2011.

Daryl Lawson talks about ACL injury preventation at Burlington symposium: Daryl Lawson, assistant professor of physical therapy education, talked to 55 middle and high school coaches about ACL injury prevention during the 2nd Annual Sports Medicine Symposium held Aug. 4-5 at Alamance Regional Medical Center in Burlington, N.C.

Bill Andrews has article published in Physiotherapy: Bill Andrews, associate professor of Physical Therapy, is one of two investigators to publish an article in the current issue of the journal Physiotherapy. The article is a systematic review entitled "Normal Walking Speed: A Descriptive Meta-Analysis."

Enrichment program connects DPT students with area children: Forty first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students joined 26 elementary children on July 14 for a morning of fun and physical activity as part of Elon’s Summer Learning and Enrichment Academy, a partnership between Elon and the Alamance-Burlington School System that focuses on helping exceptional children in grades K-8 develop and maintain academic and behavioral skills they need to be successful in their learning.

DPT students and alumni volunteer with Dancing Above the Barre program: Elon DPT students and alumni, including Jennifer Evans, Dana Tishler, Blair Madden, Natalie Maness, Judy Saas and Morgan Mason, are regular volunteers with the Greensboro Ballet's Dancing Above the Barre program.

Bill Andrews has article published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy: Bill Andrews, associate professor of Physical Therapy, has published an article in the current issue of the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy titled "Outcome Measures in Neurological Physical Therapy Practice: Part II. A Patient-Centered Process."

John Currin receives top Elon award for business leadership: John G. Currin Jr., president and chief executive officer of Alamance Regional Medical Center and ARMC Healthcare since 2005, was honored at a June 22 campus luncheon with the Frank S. Holt, Jr. Business Leadership Award, Elon University’s highest honor for business leadership.

Charity Johansson and Mary Knight-McKenna present on transformative learning at international conference: Charity Johansson, professor of physical therapy, and Mary Knight-McKenna, professor of education, presented a paper at the 9th International Transformative Learning Conference in Athens, Greece, on May 29.

Physical Therapy Student Completes Placement in Kenya: Doctor of Physical Therapy student, Danielle Gilbert, recently completed a four-week experience in Migori, Kenya. Gilbert opted for an independent study during her Advanced Clinical Practice Selective course and worked at St. Joseph Mission Hospital. A third-year student from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Gilbert completed her undergraduate degree at Elon in 2009 with a major in exercise science, and had studied abroad in Ghana during a winter term.

Awards banquet honors exemplary faculty and staff: Four faculty members were honored May 11, 2011, for superior scholarship, teaching, mentoring and service at Elon University’s faculty-staff awards luncheon. Those recognized included Mary Jo Festle, Ann J. Cahill, Maureen Vandermaas-Peeler and Stephen Bailey.

Physical Therapy Alumni Graduates from Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency: Abi Roth Purvis G'08 recently graduated from an Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency program through Evidence in Motion.

Elon professors receive grant for concussion study: A team of Elon University researchers will examine the effects of concussions in student-athletes using a grant of nearly $17,000 awarded this month by the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.

DPT Alumni Recognized as Board Certified Clinical Specialists: Elon physical therapy alumni Rachel Gross '06, PT, DPT, OCS, and Jamin Parezo '02, PT, MPT, OCS, were each recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) as clinical specialists in orthopedic physical therapy at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans, La., held Feb. 9-12.

Elon DPT alumni, faculty, and students present at American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting: Dr. Randall Lazicki, an Elon DPT alum currently employed at the Duke University Sports Medicine Center, was part of a panel who presented an educational session, Knee changes from the sports injury to the total knee arthoplasty, at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans last week.

Elon DPT faculty featured in Times-News article: Jane Freund, an associate professor in Elon University’s physical therapy education department, was featured in an article in the Jan. 22 edition of the Burlington Times-News about her ongoing work with a patient working to regain mobility following an automobile accident.

Laurence N. Benz's December 2010 commencement speech: Laurence N. Benz, president/CEO of PT Developlement LLC, delivered the commencement address to the 39 Elon DPT students who graduated from the university on Dec. 12, 2010.

DPT program enrolls class of 2013: Elon’s three-year, full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy program enrolled the Class of 2013 this week.

DPT faculty and alumni have poster accepted for national conference: DPT faculty members Deborah Stetts and Gray Carpenter partnered with DPT alumni Adam Autry and Mike Bourassa on a poster than has been accepted to the 2011 APTA national conference.

Elon holds Commencement for DPT candidates: Thirty-nine candidates in Elon University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program received their degrees on Dec. 12, 2010, in an afternoon ceremony that featured an address from the creator of Evidence in Motion, a highly regarded education and business practice consultation company within the physical therapy profession.

Physical Therapy alumna featured in The New York Times: Elon physical therapy alumna Blake Russell was featured in the Oct. 31 edition of The New York Times in a story about balancing motherhood with distance running.

DPT faculty, recent graduate and students publish article: Janet M. Cope, Ph.D., OTR/L, associate professor of physical therapy, and Stewart Holt, Ph.D., molecular biology, have published an article in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education with Erin Sanders G'09, and third-year DPT students Laura Corriher and Davis Templeton.

DPT program teaches elementary school students the value of a healthy lifestyle: WFMY News 2 covered Elon DPT students as they worked with elementary school children on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

DPT visits elementary school to discuss bones, physical therapy and backpack safety: Department of Physical Therapy Education (DPTE) faculty, staff and students visited Burlington Day School in Alamance County to talk with students about the structure and function of bone tissue, and how to avoid bone damage as a result of overloaded backpacks.

DPT faculty/staff publish article with noted epidemiologist from WFU: Stewart Holt and Janet Cope of the Department of Physical Therapy Education recently published an article in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine wiht well-known epidemiologist Maria Mirabelli, assistant professor in epidemiology and prevention at Wake Forest School of Medicine.

DPT Faculty, students publish article in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy: Associate professors of physical therapy Bill Andrews and Susan Chinworth have published an article in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy along with third-year DPT students Michael Bourassa, Miranda Garvin, Dacia Benton, and Scott Tanner.

DPT visits elementary schools to discuss bone anatomy: Department of Physical Therapy Education faculty, staff and students visited R. Homer Andrews Elementary School in Alamance County and Raskis Elementary School in Orange County to talk with students about the importance of the human skeleton.

DPT annual program honors human donors: Students studying for their doctor of physical therapy degree paid tribute Tuesday afternoon to the deceased men and women who donated their bodies to science by serving as “teachers” for the graduate program’s Class of 2012.

DPT students travel to Romania for service mission: Four 2010 Physical Therapy graduate students, Ashley Davis, Blair Harrison, Mara Hutton and Veronica Zych, will travel to Romania Aug. 19-31, 2010, as part of a Christian mission trip called "Wheels for the World – Romania," organized by Joni and Friends International Disability Center.

DPT student accepted for MS Fellowship: Danielle Gilbert '08 and a current Elon DPT student has been awarded a fellowship through the Foundation of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.

DPTE visits local middle school to teach about bone anatomy: Department of Physical Therapy Education (DPTE) faculty, staff and students visited Michelle Noronha’s seventh grade science class at Burlington Day School to talk with students about the importance of the human skeleton.

Special Olympics holds spring games on Elon campus: Elon University hosted Special Olympics Alamance County on Friday as athletes from surrounding communities visited campus for the nonprofit’s annual spring games. Several university students volunteered for the program, which included appearances by Elon Phoenix football players, cheerleaders and the Phoenix mascot.

DPT program enrolls class of 2012: Thirty-eight students enrolled Jan. 4, 2010, in the DPT program in the Department of Physical Therapy Education. Their enrollment marks Elon’s eighth class of DPT students.

Physical therapy program awards 37 DPT degrees: Thirty-seven candidates in Elon’s doctor of physical therapy program received their degrees on Dec. 6, 2009, in a ceremony featuring an address from John D. Childs, associate professor and director of research for the U.S. Army in the Baylor University doctoral program in physical therapy.

Elon DPT students present at annual N.C. Physical Therapy Association Meeting

DPT students join local children in "Walk to School" event: Elon University graduate students in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program joined with children from North Graham Elementary School on Oct. 14 for its third annual “Walk to School" Day.

DPT's Janet Cope and Stewart Holt guest teach at Smith Elementary

DPT Students Launch Blog: Three Elon graduate students have launched a blog to share their experiences as they progress through Elon's Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

DPT Class of '11 honors human donors in memorial service: DPT candidates on Tuesday said their farewells as they honored the lives of 10 men and women who donated their bodies to science and who, for the past seven months, served as “teachers” to Class of 2011 students studying anatomy as part of their doctoral program at Elon University.

Elon launches new Graduate Admissions Web site: The Office of Graduate Admissions has launched a new Web site designed to showcase the benefits of an Elon graduate education and to simplify the admissions process for prospective students.

Parents of Elon DPT alum killed in DC Metro tragedy: The deadliest wreck in the history of the Metrorail system in Washington, D.C., killed the parents of an Elon DPT alum. Services are scheduled for early next week, with a memorial fund established to honor their memories.

Elon students coach Alamance Stingrays at SONC Summer Games: Elon students Megan Stobie G'09, Casey Hambel '09, Drew Lanzl '09 and Becca Leslie '11 led the Alamance Stingrays in Aquatics at the recent 2009 Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games in Cary, N.C., where the team collected more than a dozen medals in competition.

DPT research assists accident survivor with recovery: Jeremy Gates can’t remember the car wreck that nearly claimed his life. But for the Burlington man, who undergoes physical therapy with Elon University DPT students and staff at Alamance Regional Medical Center, that’s not important. His desire to walk is another story.

Physical Therapy alumna Delaine Fowler trains for triathlon

NC Special Olympics Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament FUNfitness at Wake Forest University

DPT faculty and students win American Physical Therapy Assocation research award

DPT faculty and students present at national conference: Physical therapy faculty and students presented their research findings at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association on Feb. 11-12. The conference was held in Las Vegas, Nev. The following presentations were given (faculty listed first):

DPT program enrolls class of 2011: Thirty-eight students enrolled Jan. 5, 2009, in the DPT program in the Department of Physical Therapy Education. Their enrollment marks Elon’s seventh class of DPT students.

DPT candidates graduate Elon: Forty-five candidates in the university’s doctor of physical therapy program received their degrees on Dec. 7, 2008, in a ceremony featuring remarks from Elon President Leo M. Lambert and an address from Jody Shapiro Gandy, director of academic/clinical education affairs at the American Physical Therapy Association.

Bailey, Hall, Folger and Miller have article accepted for publication

Lazicki Top Student Presenter at NCPTA

Andrews, Folger, and 2 alumni publish article in Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy

Johansson presents at Adult Education Research Conference

Elon Physical Therapy alumna Blake Russell qualifies for U.S. Olympic Team in the marathon: The disappointment of four years ago has turned into elation for Blake Russell, a 2001 graduate of Elon’s physical therapy program, who qualified for the 2008 Olympic Team following her impressive finish April 21 at the U.S. Women’s Olympic Trials in Boston.

Bailey, Miller, and Hall have article published in Military Medicine

DPT program enrolls Class of 2010: Thirty-eight students enrolled Jan. 7, 2008, in the DPT program in the Department of Physical Therapy Education. This marks Elon’s sixth class of DPT students and represents its most selective and brightest.

DPT students help kids "Walk to School": Elon students studying for their doctorate in physical therapy partnered this month with a local elementary school to teach the importance of physical fitness. The five students are responsible for a service-learning project during their final internships and organized a “Walk to School” morning for children at North Graham Elementary School. Details...