Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science

03/04/2026

Last month, students, faculty, and friends attended the Physical Therapy Association (APTA)'s Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), in Anaheim, California. CSM is the largest physical therapy conference in the country, with more than 15,000 attendees, 400 sessions, and 1,440 posters over the three jam-packed days.

Many of our students and faculty members presented at the conference, including Dr. Vicki Gray, Dr. Kelly Westlake, Dr. Peter Bowman, and Dr. Linda Horn (Pictured in the slides).

We are also excited to share that recent PhD graduate, Dr. Lindsey Mathis, was awarded the Best Platform Presentation Award for her presentation, "Therapy Ends, Obstacles Remain: Barriers to Community Mobility in Structurally Disinvested Neighborhoods." The Research Committee was highly impressed by Dr. Mathis' quality of research, the clarity of her presentation, and the impact of her findings on home health practice.

Congratulations to all who attended and contributed to a successful 2026!

03/02/2026

Last week, the Class of 2027 hosted a PTRS faculty and staff versus students dodgeball game to raise funds for the class.

It was a lively afternoon filled with friendly competition, community building, and plenty of dodging.

After some very close games, the students came out victorious, taking home the coveted Golden Goni Trophy.

Thank you to all who came out and participated, especially DPT student Patryk Bieganowski and the Class of 2027 for organizing the event!

02/26/2026

We are thrilled to share the latest edition of Proficio!

This publication celebrates the University of Maryland School of Medicine Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science's 70th anniversary, highlights current faculty and students, and provides updates on all the latest news from UMSOM PTRS.

Visit the link below to read the full magazine. We hope you take the time to read through it and help us celebrate this milestone!

Read more here: https://pt.umaryland.edu/about-us/publications/

02/19/2026

In May, we will welcome the first cohort of students from the BS/DPT program partnership with the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD).

The program allows kinesiology majors to complete their degree requirements during their first semester of the DPT program, shortening their undergraduate time by a year.

Earlier this month, UMSOM PTRS staff members went to College Park and hosted a lunch with three members of the inaugural cohort, students considering following in their footsteps, and some of the UMD faculty and staff members that helped make the BS/DPT program a reality.

The afternoon was a wonderful chance to celebrate these impressive students and solidify the exciting partnership's future.

Thank you to our friends at UMD who helped make this lunch and the BS/DPT program happen!

02/17/2026

Join us on Feb. 25 from 12 - 1 p.m. to hear from our CDJ affiliate, Sarah Dababnah, PhD, MPH, MSW, Associate Professor at the UMB School of Social Work, in our first Disability Dialogue research seminar of 2026! Dr. Dababnah specializes in practice, policy, and research related to the health and well-being of families of individuals with intellectual and developmental differences.

She will present:
Inclusive research approaches that center the voices of autistic individuals, families, and communities.

Practical strategies for collecting, analyzing, and sharing data respectfully and collaboratively.

Register here:

https://umaryland.zoom.us/meeting/register/BLmd4nuFQ4GKWI-PMlmsBw #/registration

02/13/2026

PTRS faculty testified in Annapolis on Feb. 5 in support of Fair Copay legislation that would limit coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles to the same amount as for primary care visits.

Such legislation has passed in 13 states so far and 3 states are considering this legislation this year. Chapter members and leaders testified either in person or remotely in the Health Committee of the Maryland House of Delegates.

Faculty members included APTA Maryland President Roy Film, PT, MPT, DPT, Assistant Professor; APTA Maryland Vice President Rachel Reoli, DPT, PhD, Assistant Professor; and APTA Maryland Director for Government Affairs, Linda Horn, PT, DScPT, MHS, Assistant Professor.

We are so proud to see our faculty members represent the department and the field of physical therapy so well in Annapolis!

11/19/2025

What's the latest at PTRS? Click here to find out - https://conta.cc/4oQgxGbt

Email from Univ of MD - PTRS November 19, 2025 Department News/Events Congratulations! Jeremy VanDuLuitgaarden, PT, DPT, OCS graduated from the UMSOM Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy.

11/17/2025

Matthew Link, current DPT student, highlighted as one of two veterans recently honored by the University of Maryland, Baltimore for their service!

UMB celebrates student veterans with a special giveaway in honor of Veterans Day.

11/05/2025

A busy Fall at PTRS! Click here to catch up - https://conta.cc/43VUrJE

Email from Univ of MD - PTRS November 5, 2025 Department News/Events PT Month Celebrated In addition to the annual CEU course held on October 23, 2025, PTRS DPT students celebrated National PT Month w

10/27/2025

Don't forget, the DPT application deadline is fast approaching. If you have any questions as you finalize your application, do not hesitate to join on of our virtual admissions office hours this week. We'd be happy to help, and are excited to see you in our candidate pool!

10/22/2025

The latest news and updates from PTRS, click here - https://conta.cc/3WSz4VG

Email from Univ of MD - PTRS October 22, 2025 Department News/Events PT Month 2025 CEU Course There's still time to register for tomorrow's CEU event! REGISTER HERE Welcome PTRS welcomes Joseph Massa

10/22/2025

Prospective DPT applicants don't forget, the submission deadline is right around the corner: November 1st. We want to see your application!

If you have any questions to help finalize your application, Brett Weinstein, Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruiting, is hosting office hours next week. Please don't hesitate to make contact.