UNC Division of Physical Therapy

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Chapel Hill, NC
UNC Division of Physical Therapy

The Division of Physical Therapy values an organizational culture that balances team commitment and personal/professional autonomy.

"The UNC-Chapel Hill Division of Physical Therapy is dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in Physical Therapy within the context of Physical Therapy professional education, direct clinical services to the public, and interdisciplinary research. Our interdependent model of research, education, and clinical services prepares leaders who will improve the quality of life of individuals and their communities. Faculty/student collegiality, respect for diverse contributions, interdisciplinary collaboration, open communication, entrepreneurial spirit, and excellence are all important to fostering this culture."

04/01/2026

Every Spring Break, UNC DPT students travel to Tyrrell County, NC for a meaningful service-learning experience supporting underserved communities. In partnership with local agencies and residents, they help promote well-being and reduce health risks through community-based care.

They have a unique opportunity to take their skills beyond the classroom by working alongside local community members. Students provide movement screenings, wellness education, and functional mobility support while gaining hands-on experience in rural healthcare. We are so proud of our students! And a special shout-out to Rachel Donnelly and her efforts to put together yet another amazing trip.

03/24/2026

Support Health Sciences Students!
The Department of Health Sciences at UNC School of Medicine is committed to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals through our exemplary teaching, innovative research and person-centered clinical care.

By supporting the department, our students and faculty across our divisions, centers, programs and units will benefit from your investment.
https://giveunc.unc.edu/cause/school-of-medicine

03/22/2026

We are so grateful for the positive reviews we have recently received from our University Physical Therapy clinics. TOur faculty clinics offer outpatient orthopedic and neurological physical therapy services and residents located in three different cities in the Triangle area. These clinics not only serve our residents but also are a great resource for our students in our DPT program!

03/19/2026

Congratulations to Chelsea Duppen and Mike Lewek on their recent publication advancing our understanding of gait and mobility in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Their work highlights the roles of vision and attention in mobility, contributing valuable insights to the field. A great example of impactful research driving clinical innovation!

We are also proud to say that Chelsea is a Triple Tar Heel having earned her undergraduate degree (2013), DPT (2016), and PhD (2024) from UNC!

Read it now on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41706712/

03/15/2026

Meet Shana Harrington!

Shana attended UNC Chapel Hill for undergraduate and returned for her PhD in HMSC. Read more about Shana’s work and how UNC impacted her!

03/10/2026

Louise Thoma PT, DPT, PhD is redefining rheumatology care through the PREVAIL model, bringing rehabilitation and exercise into routine care to preserve function and quality of life for those with rheumatic diseases.

Read all about Dr. Thoma’s vision here: https://www.med.unc.edu/healthsciences/2026/02/a-new-model-for-rheumatology-care-louise-thomas-prevail-vision/

03/05/2026

We are excited to highlight a meaningful collaboration between Mike Lewek PT, PhD and the UNC School of Medicine Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) on the study: “Characterization of Lower Extremity Pain in Ambulatory Individuals After Stroke.”

This interdisciplinary work reflects a shared commitment to advancing rehabilitation science and improving outcomes for individuals post-stroke. Proud to see collaboration driving impactful research that bridges clinical care and innovation!

Check it out on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41554396/

02/27/2026

A few weeks ago, our students participated in a Spinal Cord Injury lab organized by Karen McCulloch PT, PhD, MS, NCS(E), FAPTA, FACRM, Audrey Czejkowski PT, DPT, NCS, MSCS, and our current Neurologic PT Residents. They were able to practice SCI related skills including transfers, wheelchair skills, and patient education. Thank you to all who helped orchestrate yet another successful educational lab for our students!

02/24/2026

Hiral Master, PT, PhD, MPH, was selected as one of three scholars to comprise the next cohort supported by the UNC BIRCWH K12 Institutional Training Grant. These researchers represent some of UNC’s most innovative rising women’s health scientists across multiple departments and divisions.

The goal of Dr. Master’s BIRCWH project is to design and pilot a digitally enhanced, theory-driven intervention that provides timely, individualized support to help women with arthritis increase their physical activity. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability among women, who experience higher levels of pain, greater functional limitations, and lower physical activity participation compared to men

We’re excited for Hiral as she leads this important work and represents our program.
Read more here: https://news.unchealthcare.org/2026/02/unc-bircwh-program-announces-new-cohort-of-womens-health-scholars/

02/17/2026

Excited to share this collaborative work between EXSS and DPT, bringing together faculty, clinicians, and residents! This paper features a DPT and Orthopedic Residency alumna (Megna Mishra), DPT faculty (Deidra Charity and Louise Thoma), Ortho faculty (Joe Hart), and EXSS faculty and senior author (Shelby Baez).

Megna led this work as part of her DPT Capstone Project, and together they investigated changes in kinesiophobia during recovery after primary versus secondary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Read the paper here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40537132/

02/11/2026

We’re proud to have over 13 faculty, alumni, residents, and PhD students representing us at ! They’ll be sharing work across oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, research, neurology, sports, and wound care through poster, platform, and education sessions. Swipe to see when and what they’ll be presenting!

02/10/2026

T-minus 2 days until CSM! We are excited to be hosting a Tar Heel Reception Thursday evening at the Anaheim Marriott. Come join us in your Carolina blue to kick off a great weekend. (And don't forget your pin!) Tag us and use the

Address

321 S Columbia Street
Chapel Hill, NC
27514

Telephone

+19199664708

Website

https://www.med.unc.edu/healthsciences/physical/academic-programs/residencies/, https://www.med.unc.edu/healthsciences/p

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