News

APTA Combined Sections Meeting 2024

January 2nd, 2024

The Programs in Physical will be attending CSM in Boston. This page will receive regular updates featuring alumni events, along with information about our faculty speakers and their presentations.


Columbia Alumna Emma Massarelli

December 12th, 2023

The Programs in Physical Therapy recently spoke with Columbia Alumna Emma Massarelli, discussing her experiences with us and celebrating her recent accomplishment of joining the Rockettes!


Programs in Physical Therapy Research Colloquium

November 16th, 2023

Our annual Research Colloquium took place on November 16th. Tanja Taivassalo, our guest speaker this year, presented a keynote on "Exercise as the Therapeutic Approach for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy."


STEP-IN SMA Foundations for SMA Physical Therapists; A STEP-IN Educational Track

November 9th, 2023

Dr. Jacqueline Montes organized the Foundations for SMA Physical Therapists workshop in Sydney, Australia!


Columbia University Programs in Physical Therapy Alumni Association

October 25th, 2023

The Columbia University Programs in Physical Therapy is thrilled to introduce the inaugural alumni association. Congratulations to the newly elected board of directors.


Alumna Karlie Gross

October 16th, 2023

Dr. Karlie Gross joined us to discuss her ongoing research, highlighting two publications.


7th Annual Rehabilitation Research Day

October 13th, 2023

The Programs in Physical Therapy was honored to attend and participate in the 7th Annual Rehabilitation Research Day.


18th Educational Leadership Conference

October 13th, 2023

The Programs in Physical Therapy had faculty members who presented at the Education Leadership Conference hosted in Philadelphia.


Huntington's Disease Society of America Team Hope Walk

September 23rd, 2023

Dr. Ashwini Rao and DPT students participated in the annual Team Hope Walk to raise awareness of Huntington's disease.


Programs in Physical Therapy - White Coat Class of 2025

June 1st, 2023

The Programs in Physical Therapy recently hosted its annual White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2025.


Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)

July 2nd, 2023

The Programs in Physical Therapy held its six-week summer enrichment program and residential program first- and second-year college students interested in the health professions. 


Programs in Physical Therapy - Convocation Class of 2023

June 1st, 2023

The Programs in Physical Therapy celebrated convocation with the Class of 2023. 


Columbia University Irving Medical Center/ West Side Dance Physical Therapy Performing Arts Fellowship

December 1st, 2022

The Programs in Physical Therapy is proud to announce that the Columbia University Irving Medical Center/ West Side Dance Physical Therapy Performing Arts Fellowship has been accredited!


Welcome Dr. Samantha Sawade, PT, DPT, PCS

November 14th, 2022

The Programs in Physical Therapy is excited to welcome Dr. Samantha Sawade, PT, DPT, PCS.


Juan De La Rosa Calvo - Hispanic Heritage Month

October 8th, 2022

Juan De La Rosa Calvo reflects on Hispanic Heritage Month.


Columbia Alumni Rafael Rodriguez-Torres

October 10th, 2022

Rafael is our fifth Columbia Alumni featured in our newsletter!


Research Colloquium

November 17th, 2022

Our annual Research Colloquium will take place on November 17th, 2022! 


Dr. Laurel Abbruzzese appointed as a Provost Senior Faculty Teaching Scholar

November 5th, 2022

Dr. Laurel Abbruzzese was appointed as a Provost Senior Faculty Teaching Scholar for 2022-2023.


The Programs in Physical Therapy 80th Anniversary

 October 3rd, 2022

The Columbia University Programs in Physical Therapy celebrates its 80th year anniversary!


Welcome Dr. Lobna Elsarafy, PT, PhD, DPT

September 2nd, 2022

The Columbia University Programs in Physical Therapy is proud to welcome our new Assistant Professor Dr. Lobna Elsarafy, PT, PhD, DPT.


Orientation - Class of 2025

September 6th, 2022

The Programs in Physical Therapy held its orientation for the Class of 2025.


Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

September 13th, 2022

Dr. Colleen M. Brough was featured on a live webinar where she discussed Plantar Fasciitis.


Dr. Jacqueline Montes receives a new Grant

September 12th, 2022

Dr. Jacqueline Montes discusses her recent grant from Genetech to study exercise intolerance and fatigue in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).


2022 European Network of Physiotherapy in Higher Education

September 15th, 2022

Dr. Jean Fitzpatrick Timmerberg spoke at the ENPHE conference which took place in Famalicao, Portugal.


2022-2023 Exxat Student Scholarship

July 22nd, 2022

The Programs in Physical Therapy is excited to announce Lauren Cianci was selected as a recipient for the 2022-2023 Exxat Student Scholarship.


Understanding Tools to Assess Aerobic Capacity, Physical Activity in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

July 22nd, 2022

Dr. Jacqueline Montes, PT, EdD sits with NeurologyLive to provide insight on the tools and gaps in care for assessing physical capacity in patients with spinal muscular atrophy.


STEP-IN Foundations

June 28th, 2022

We highlight all the amazing work that our faculty has been doing with leading the move toward competency-based education.


White Coat "Meet & Greet"

June 25th, 2022

Following our White Coat ceremony, students gathered with friends and family for a special "meet and greet" with our faculty and reception held at the VEC.


White Coat Ceremony Speakers

June 25th, 2022

We highlight all of our faculty, student and guest speakers in this gallery.


Class of 2024 White Coat Ceremony

June 25th, 2022

The Programs in Physical Therapy held our White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2024.


Siyun Chen

May 28th, 2022

Siyun Chen spoke to us about her recent publication titled "Effectiveness and Success Factors of Bilateral Arm Training After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis".


DPT Alumna Candice Meng

May 25th, 2022

Candice Meng is our fourth feature in Alumni Corner. Candice spoke to us about her experience in the program and how it helped her with her career after she graduated.


Commencement - Class of 2022

May 19th, 2022

The Programs in Physical Therapy held its Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2022.


Commencement Hooding

May 19th, 2022

Our faculty members Drs. Rami Said & Martha Sliwinski had the honor of hooding Class of 2022's graduates.


Programs in Physical Therapy Commencement Awards

May 19th, 2022

We are proud to announce this year's award winners from our Commencement.


50 Haven Commencement Reception

May 19th, 2022

Faculty celebrated with students and family at our Commencement reception.


Pie a Professor Fundraiser

April 28th, 2022

Our DPT Class of 2024 held a fundraiser at Haven Plaza.


Dr. Laurel Abbruzzese inducted into the Virginia Apgar Academy of Medical Educators

April 7th, 2022

Dr. Laurel D. Abbruzzese has been inducted into the Class of 2022 Virginia Apgar Academy of Medical Educators.


DPT Alumni Katie Schmitt

April 6th, 2022

Katie Schmitt is our third feature in our Alumni Corner. Katie was recently featured on South Carolina Public Radio!


Tiarra Dembo

April 2nd, 2022

This month we sat down with 2nd year student Tiarra Dembo who's sister recently participated in Dr. Yoons "Learn from the expert's Day".


CSM Coverage

March 3rd, 2022

Please click through for a gallery of pictures from CSM 2022 of our faculty, students and alumni that attended the event.


Dr. Laurel Abbruzzese receives an award from the National Academies of Practice

March 24th, 2022

We are proud to announce that our very own Dr. Laurel Abbruzzese has received the Emerging Inter-professional National Academies of Practice Member of the Year.


DPT Alumni Sherein Abdelhady

March 18th, 2022

Sherein Abdelhady is our second feature in the Alumni Corner. Sherein also recently went viral for deadlifting 425 pounds!


Alumni Corner

March 1st, 2022

A brief introduction to the newest addition to our newsletter, "Alumni Corner".


Elena Rhodes

February 26th, 2022

Second year DPT student, Elena Rhodes outlines her plans to aid African countries with her husband Jude Rhodes.


The journey to creating "Making Moves"

February 21, 2022

Betty Kuflom speaks to us about the student-led program "Making Moves".


Joseph Rivera CHEP/JHR Student Essay Contest Winner

February 17, 2022

Joseph Rivera wins 1st place in the 5th annual physical therapy essay contest.


Dr. Laurel D. Abbruzzese presents at CSM 2022

February 15, 2022

Dr. Laurel Abbruzzese discuesses her CSM 2022 presentation, "Interrogate Your Positionally and (Un)Conscious Biases: Effective Teaching is Antiracist Teaching".


DPT Alumni Brando Lakes launches our "Alumni Corner"

February 9th, 2022

Brando Lakes speaks about our DPT program and how it's impacted his Physical Therapy career.


2022 Combined Sections Meeting (CSM)

February 1st, 2022

The Programs in Physical Therapy will be attending CSM 2022! Several of our faculty are due to speak at the convention.


Student Life!

February 2nd, 2022

Last month we launched our "Student Life" section in our newsletter. We are actively looking for your submissions; pictures, videos, essays etc. are all welcome! 


Welcome Dr. Danielle Struble-Fitzsimmons, PT, DPT, PhD

January 7th, 2022

The Columbia University Programs in Physical Therapy is proud to welcome our new Assistant Director of Clinical Education Dr. Danielle Struble-Fitzsimmons, PT, DPT, PhD.


Dr. Lisa Yoon's Advanced Seminar in Pediatrics Pt.2

January 1st, 2022

Last month we spoke to one of Dr. Yoon's students, Zenas Singh about his experience in her Advanced Seminar in Pediatrics course. This month, we had the opportunity to speak with the parent of one of her patients to give another perspective.


Research Colloquium

November 18th, 2021

The Programs in Physical Therapy held is annual Research Colloquium. The event also returned to an in-person format this year!


PT Health Fair

November 30th, 2021

Our third year DPT students held a PT Health Fair in Haven Plaza. The students performed quick mobility and postural assessments in order to help educate others about PT.


Dr. Lisa Yoon's Advanced Seminar in Pediatrics

December 3rd, 2021

We spoke to one of Dr. Yoon's Advanced Seminar in Pediatrics students, Zenas Singh. We asked him a few questions about the course and how he felt about the hands on practical experience that he was receiving.


Our EdD Program page has been updated!

December 21st, 2021

Our EdD Program page is updated. Please find more information about the program's curriculum, our faculty and profiles of current students.


"Do You Have the Coronavirus?" - Henry Fok, SPT

December 22nd, 2021

Henry Fok was a finalist in the annual physical therapy student essay contest co-sponsored by the ACAPT Consortium for the Humanities, Ethics, and Professionalism (CHEP) and JHR. 


Dr. Jean Fitzpatrick Timmerberg promoted to Associate Professor

October 21st, 2021

Dr. Jean Fitzpatrick Timmerberg PT, PhD, MHS, OCS was promoted to Associate Professor. Dr. Timmerberg spoke about her career, and what achievements like this mean along her journey.


Dr. Wing Fu speaks about her recent Grant as well as attending the ELC this year

November 12th, 2021

Dr. Wing Fu PT, PhD, MA receives a 2021 Provost's SOLER Seed Grant, and attends the 2021 Educational Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Fu presented an educational session titled "How do we Mastermind Master Minds? The Application of the Master Adaptive Learner Model to Prepare Physical Therapy Learners for an Unknown Future."


Orthopedic Residents Profile

November 22nd, 2021

Our three Orthopedic residents spoke to us about everyday life, what they do for fun, and what they enjoy about the program so far.


Class of 2023 White Coat Ceremony

October 20th, 2021

The Programs in Physical Therapy held its annual White Coat Ceremony on October 20th, 2021. The class of 2023 received their White Coats, this was the first time the event was held in person since Covid-19. Our entire faculty was in attendance, however the family and friends of our students joined us via Zoom.


Kendall Lynch Press Release

November 23rd, 2021

Introducing The Columbia University Irving Medical Center - West Side Dance Physical Therapy Performing Arts fellow Kendall Lynch, PT, DPT, OCS, PMA, CPT


Research Colloquium

November 18th, 2021

Our annual Research Colloquium will be taking place on November 18th, 2021


Fierce Grant

December 4, 2020

Two faculty members awarded the Provost’s Addressing Racism Seed Grant Initiative


The Programs in Physical Therapy to Join a Prominent Group in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research

September 24, 2020

The Programs in PT will join the Pediatric Neuromuscular Clinical Research Network, in their pursuit of optimizing treatments and ultimately finding a “cure” for spinal muscular atrophy


Educational Initiative for SMA Physical Therapists (STEP IN) Launches Website

September 24, 2020

STEP IN launches new website that would provide PTs worldwide the necessary knowledge and training to contribute to patient care and clinical research


Dr. Cynthia Chiarello, Assistant Professor, Retires

August 31, 2020

Dr. Cynthia Chiarello retires after over thirty years in of service to Columbia University.


Clinical Residency in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (CROPT)

June 30, 2020

This past year Columbia University’s Program in Physical Therapy has welcomed two participants into the newly established Clinical Residency in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (CROPT)


Dr. Martha Sliwinski, member of the APTA House of Delegates (HOD)

June 30, 2020

Dr. Sliwinski is a member of the APTA House of Delegates (HOD) for the state of New Jersey. In early June she attended the HOD session and presented a topic/motion in the House. 


Dr. Cynthia Chiarello, editor of the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy

June 30, 2020

Dr. Chiarello stays very busy as the editor of the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy (JWHPT the official journal of the APTA, Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy.


Vanessa Corwin, Communications Coordinator, Retires

April 30, 2020

Vanessa Corwin, Communications Coordinator for the Programs in Physical Therapy, has retired after nine years of service.


Journal of Clinical Education in Physical Therapy (JCEPT)

August 30, 2020

Journal of Clinical Education in Physical Therapy (JCEPT) facilitates communication among all involved in physical therapy clinical education


Dr. Kinirons receives prestigious teaching award

June 30, 2020

A GREAT BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO Stacy Kinirons, PhD, PT, MPH for receiving the Presidential Teaching Award


Columbia University Irving Medical Center – Programs in PT Awards Celebration

May 31, 2020

The virtual celebration of the year!  Here is the list of awards for each of our esteemed DPT graduates!  


Dr. Stacy Kinirons is Accepted into Virginia Apgar Academy

March 18, 2020

Academy honors outstanding teaching and commitment to education


Suzanne Semanson, PT, DPT, CMPT Joins Columbia Programs in Physical Therapy in Dual Role

March 3, 2020

Dr. Suzanne Semanson joins PT faculty as instructor and clinic director


Faculty News: Dr. Margaret O'Neil Edits New Edition of CP Textbook

February 3, 2010

Dr. O'Neil is co-editor and author of two chapters


In Memoriam: Joan Edelstein, MA, PT, FISPO, CPed

January 20, 2020

Joan Edelstein, former director of the Program in Physical Therapy, passed away in December 2019


Cynthia Worthington, Admissions Coordinator, Retires

January 13, 2020

Cynthia Worthington retires after 29 years of service


PT Faculty Member Works with NYC Mayor’s Office to Spread Awareness of Impacts of Climate Change on People with Disabilities

September 30, 2019

PT faculty and students join Canada to Key West campaigns


Alumni Profile: Aileen Chou, Class of 2019

October 1, 2019

How Columbia prepared this alum to pursue her PhD


Temporomandibular Elective Addresses Gaps in Medical and Dental Schools’ Curricula

September 20, 2019

Specialized course explores the relationship between the cranium, cervical spine and shoulder girdle with the masticatory and orofacial musculature, teeth/occlusion and temporomandibular joints. 


Columbia University Running Symposium Brings Together Alumni, Faculty

June 1, 2019

Attendees hailed from California, Maryland and more


Student News: Eight 2019 Grads Inducted to National Student Honor Society

July 17, 2019

Eight 2019 graduates were among the inductees to the National Student Honor Society


Report from the Field: APTA House of Delegates Meeting

July 15, 2019

PT faculty member Dr. Martha Sliwinski reports on the annual House of Delegates meeting, held this year in Chicago


PT Faculty Member Awarded $200K Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Grant

July 17, 2019

Dr. Montes and her team are developing minimally obtrusive foot-worn technology to collect data in patients' living environments


DPT Faculty Members Honored at VP&S Luncheon

June 21, 2019

Several DPT faculty members were honored at this year's luncheon celebrating faculty promotions, honors and awards


Programs in Physical Therapy Establish Faculty Practice

July 1, 2019

Columbia Physical Therapy will specialize in conservative management of musculoskeletal conditions and pre-or post-operative care provided by Columbia University faculty


Congratulations to the DPT Class of 2019

June 13, 2019

The next generation of physical therapists enters the profession. Learn more about the Class of 2019 Programs in Physical Therapy graduates.


Dr. Wing Fu Elected Vice Chairperson of Clinical Reasoning Curricula Consortium

June 12, 2019

Dr. Fu looks forward to engaging and collaborating with Clinical Reasoning Curricula and Assessment Consortium which fosters collaboration among physical therapy educators.


Dr. Rami Said Joins DPT Faculty in Dual Role

June 11, 2019

Dr. Said to teach and direct the Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy Faculty Practice in Tarrytown, NY.


DPT Faculty Members Launch New Peer-Reviewed Journal

May 6, 2019

A new physical therapy journal emphasizing clinical education launched on May 1, 2019. The journal brings together clinicians and academic educators to promote advances in physical therapy education. 


New! PT Alumni Facebook Group

May 1, 2019

Physical Therapy has established a private Facebook group for alumni. All are invited to join!


New Programs Take the Stage: Fellowship in Performing Arts and Clinical Residency in Orthopedics

February 1, 2019

The physical therapy programs have partnered with West Side Dance Physical Therapy (WSDPT) to create the Columbia University Irving Medical Center/West Side Dance Performing Arts Fellowship. 


Dr. Colleen Brough Featured on CNN Segment on Running Analysis

November 19, 2018

Dr. Colleen Brough lent her expertise to this CNN segment on how running analysis can help prevent injury.