University of Utah Physical Therapy Program

A collaged image of faculty and staff holding boxes, smiling, and holding up the 'U' for a group photo at the Utah Food Bank.

In the spirit of the season, our faculty and staff volunteered at the Utah Food Bank this week. 👏❤️

Giving thanks, one phalanx at a time. 🦃 🤚

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Reva Rauk's Retirement Invitation

After three decades of extraordinary service, Dr. Reva Rauk is retiring. Join us in celebrating her remarkable career!

Thursday, November 13th | 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 Alumni House, Dumke Room

RSVP here👉 forms.gle/HN6nZkkBJQhm...

Honoring Marlin Shields ❤️🕊️

His vision helped lay the foundation for our DPT program. As acting director in 1969, he was key in establishing the University of Utah’s Division of Physical Therapy.
@utah.edu @uofuhealth.bsky.social

Read more about his legacy: www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/m...

Congratulations to our very own student, McKenzi Vance, on earning APTA Utah’s Physical Therapy Student of the Year for 2025! 🎉

Thinking about applying to PT school? Stop by our table at this week's grad fairs to learn more about our program and The University of Utah (@utah.edu).

📍Utah Tech University
Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 10:00 AM–2:30 PM

📍Southern Utah University
Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

National Physical Therapy Month graphic for the University of Utah.

October is #NationalPhysicalTherapyMonth — join us in celebrating the incredible PTs who dedicate their lives to helping others move, heal, and thrive across the nation and beyond. 🤍

#nationalptmonth #physicaltherapymonth

Multidisciplinary Clinic Supports People Living With ALS Since William Holt's diagnosis with ALS, he's found answers, resources, and treatment through the "one stop shop" clinic.

Read the full story here: healthcare.utah.edu/newsroom/new...

Associate Professor, Dr. Heather Hayes, PhD, who works in the #ALS Clinic as a neurologic clinical specialist, was featured in a recent @uofuhealth.bsky.social article for her work. The clinic’s multidisciplinary team are making a meaningful impact for patients like William Holt. 🧠 ❤️

Visit our website and apply to our program today!

The real love story? You + a future in physical therapy.💕

Clayton Powers Clayton Powers built his career on curiosity, perseverance, and a deep sense of service. As a physical therapist, he’s found his true calling—helping patients with complex conditions like POTS, ME/CFS...

Read his story here: uofuhealth.utah.edu/made-better-...

@uofuhealth.bsky.social

Our alumni continue to inspire!🌟

Clayton Powers is transforming care for patients with long COVID and other complex conditions at University of Utah Health. His innovative, patient-centered approach exemplifies the best of compassionate physical therapy.❤️

Official update from our department ⬇️

We remain committed to attracting exceptional students, producing outstanding graduates, and advancing the profession through excellence in education, research, and service.

Visit our website to learn more: health.utah.edu/physical-the...

@utah.edu

Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and festive Fourth of July! 🇺🇸🎆

We’re excited to share the 2025 edition of The Summit, a celebration of the meaningful work happening across our department. This issue showcases the achievements of the past year and the people behind them. 👏

Explore their stories and read The Summit here: isu.pub/kfXJLjq

@utah.edu

Juneteenth graphic with a Utah Heath logo on it that says "Today we honor Juneteenth, Freedom Day" and is marked by the date, June 19, 2025.

History of June 19, 1865

Meaning of the Juneteenth flag, a symbolic representation of the end of slavery in the United States.

Since June 19, 1865, the United States has celebrated freedom and honored the resilience of Black communities on #Juneteenth.

Today serves as a reminder of the progress made — and the work that continues — to ensure justice and equity for all.

Don't forget to join us this Thursday at 5:00 to celebrate the retirement of Dr. Scott Ward. We hope to see you there! 😊

Class of 2028 pictured smiling together as a group on a large staircase.

We might need a bigger staircase next year… Say hello to the Class of 2028! 👋

Last week, we welcomed all three pathways at orientation in Salt Lake City, officially kicking off their first semester of PT school. #Classof2028 @utah.edu

Love these May days 😍

Photo of faculty members dressed in regalia at the DPT hooding ceremony. They are pictured outside on a sunny day, accompanied by Flynn the dog in matching cap and gown.

Regalia has never looked this good. Faculty fit check: 10/10 ✅

Retirement Celebration for Scott Ward May 22, 2025 @ 5:00pm-7:00 pm

Dr. Scott Ward is retiring! Join us in celebrating 45 remarkable years of excellence, compassion, and innovation! Light refreshments will be served. Please help us plan by RSVPing here: www.punchbowl.com/parties/b1a8283074dba34eb912

📅 May 22, 2025 | 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Red Butte Garden | Orangerie

Calendar with May 1st circled and previous graduates celebrating

Invitation to the hooding ceremony.

🎓✨ Save the Date! ✨🎓

Come celebrate the Class of 2025 at the U of U DPT Hooding Ceremony!

📅 Thursday, May 1, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM (Estimated run time: 1–1.5 hours)
📍 The Garden Place at Heritage Park

Emma E. Vogel - Trailblazer of Military Physical Therapy

Catherine Worthingham - First Female APTA President

Florence Peterson Kendall - Living Legend in Physical Therapy

Lucy Blair - Executive Director of APTA

Read their stories here: www.apta.org/news/2025/03...

Women's History Month Graphic - Pioneering Physical Therapy in America

Mary McMillan - Founding Mother of APTA

Physical Therapy is a profession founded by Women. As we close out #WomensHistoryMonth, we honor five trailblazing women who led the way in research, education, and advocacy.

Thanks to APTA for highlighting these American physical therapy pioneers.

Pioneering the Future: The Science of Healing Heart failure, muscle wasting with age, and postpartum depression are distinct medical challenges with something in common: they are among the many health conditions that could see innovative solution...

Heart failure, muscle wasting with age, and postpartum depression are distinct medical challenges with something in common: they are among the many health conditions that could see innovative solutions thanks to advances made at U of U Health. Read: utah-health.shorthandstories.com/ptf-the-scie...

TingTing Hong

@utah.edu scientists are leading the charge toward cardiac gene therapies by figuring out how to correct the structural disorganization that disrupts failing hearts, an advance that could benefit the 1 in 4 Americans who will develop heart failure. utah-health.shorthandstories.com/ptf-the-scie...

U, USU Research Day on the Hill marks 25 years - @theU During the annual Research on Capitol Hill event, 28 undergraduate researchers from the U shared their work with lawmakers and community members.

This year marked the 25th anniversary of Research Day on the Hill—a chance for our undergrads to show off their work at the Utah State Capitol

“This event allows us to share with the public and our leaders the positive impact research has on society.”