The College of St. Scholastica - Transitional DPT

04/30/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Carl Bot, PT, DPT in his "Outstanding Graduate Adjunct Award" in 2026. As many of you are well aware, Dr. Bot led our Professional Integration since the inception of the tDPT program in 2007. He took on additional sections when needed and certainly devoted more time than asked guiding students in their culiminating project and class. He designed our last "Capstone" course that embraced our doctoring profession and Benedictine values. He just retired from teaching this past December, welcoming a second grandchild. We will immensely miss him, but incredibly appreciative of his dedication to CSS.

04/08/2026

Here we are into April. Rather than a sand beach, we have a snow beach in Duluth as we got nearly a foot snow last week! A picture of our northern lights as well--what a treat! (the lights--not the April snow!)

I am not very good about posting, but we have a very exciting announcement: The PT program is pleased to announce we have a faculty position open starting this Fall 2026. Please share or consider applying!
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=0cf15b47-1432-4e89-9dca-564ba59748ab&ccId=9200839274673_2&jobId=622279&lang=en_US

10/30/2025

Congratulations to our proficient researcher and author, Dr. Justin Berry on his most recent publication: https://journals.lww.com/jopte/abstract/9900/career_regret_related_to_educational_debt_within.208.aspx

This addresses a very important topic in our profession (along with many other healthcare professions) on the cost/benefit ratio with rising student debt. I am interested in hearing your thoughts!

-Dr. O

08/19/2025

Our students never cease to amaze us. Please meet Clarisa Bartolomey who is currently serving as a physical therapist for the Puerto Rico National Adult Softball Team. She has been finishing up her Evidence Based Practice course while on the road. She is currently in China traveling with the team. Good luck to the team and Clarisa in keeping all of her athletes in tip top shape!

07/01/2025

Congratulations from our alumnus Dr. Kim Watkins, PT, DPT on her recent publication, "How equitable is digital rehabilitation for people after stroke? A systematic review using an equity approach" found here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/digital-health/articles/10.3389/fdgth.2025.1544754/full.

Kim is originally from the UK practicing currently in Bermuda. Truly, she an example of what one can do with their acquired tDPT training. Of course, her instructor, Dr. Ogston will take some of the credit for those skills having taught Evidence Based Practice:)

06/02/2025

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our tDPT alumna, Dr. Stephanie Woelfel, PT, DPT, on receiving the prestigious Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Practice Award. This national honor recognizes individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the practice of physical therapy. We are incredibly proud of Dr. Woelfel and honored to celebrate her as a distinguished member of the Saint family.

05/16/2025

Once again, we experienced an absolutely wonderful graduation down by Lake Superior this past weekend. A great group of graduates from all over the country! Per tradition, we also hosted an open house that allowed us to have some quiet time together prior to walking across the stage. Congratulations to all graduates! We know the dedication you've put in to obtain this degree!

04/22/2025

Congratulations to two of our adjuncts with their recent publications! Dr. Justin Berry https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40042477/ and Kirby Baloy https://journals.lww.com/cptj/abstract/9900/virtual_2_minute_step_test__validity,_reliability,.65.aspx They continue to aspire us in our contributions to science and the PT profession.

Prevalence of debt management education within programs was low with decreased respondent awareness of debt/income ratios and available resources. Based on the results of our survey, programs should provide education throughout the curriculum, including increasing student awareness of resources to r...

04/07/2025

Congratulations to our own Nicola Williams who presented her first poster at this past 2025 Combined Sections Meeting in Houston, TX. The title of her poster was, "Are Physical Therapy Interventions Safe for Persons with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD): A Scoping Review". She completed this poster as a part of PTH 7730 Evidence Based Practice class.

02/19/2025

Congratulations to our own Dr. Justin Berry on his award "Distinguished Educator in PTA Education" that was presented this past weekend at APTA's national Combined Sections Meeting in Houston, Texas. I don't think any of us are surprised as he has a continual pursuit for excellent in both our tDPT program and the Northland College PTA program in Thief River Falls, MN.

02/11/2025

Anyone looking to get into Academia? The College of St. Scholastica invites applications to join our entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program. We seek two full-time core faculty members for 11-month appointments. Rank and salary commensurate with experience.

One position requires a terminal academic degree. Applicants with expertise in teaching biomechanics, research, and experience in a biomechanics lab are desired. A physical therapy degree is preferred but not required.

1271 Assistant/Associate Professor - Terminal Academic Degree

Another position invites applications to join our entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program with an entry-level physical therapy doctoral degree required.

1272 Assistant/Associate Professor - Physical Therapy

With questions, please contact Dalerie Lieberz at dlieberz@css.edu

02/07/2025

Congratulations once again to our outstanding Assistant Professor Dr. Kirby Baloy on his recent publication, Concurrent Validity and Reliability of In-Person and Supervised Remote STEADI Fall Risk Assessment in Community-Dwelling Older Adults recently published in The Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. Kirby truly is an academic where he never ceases to learn and devote his professional life to students, patients and our profession.
JGPT: https://journals.lww.com/jgpt/abstract/9900/concurrent_validity_and_reliability_of_in_person.68.aspx

Pubmed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39868692/

This study suggests that telehealth-administered functional tests in the STEADI fall risk assessment are valid and reliable when technology, environment, camera view, and angle are optimally managed.