Professional interests

Cheryl Ford-Smith, PT, DPT, MS is the Director of Special Programs for Student Recruitment and Retention and the Director of the . Dr. Ford-Smith is a board-certified Neurological Clinical Specialist. Her primary research interests include the reliability of vestibular and balance examination tools, interventions for individuals with vestibular dysfunction and mild traumatic brain injury and the science of learning. Dr. Ford-Smith is the recipient of the APTA Minority Initiative Award for her work with the Summer Academic Enrichment Program, the VCU Exemplary Partnership in Outreach Award for her work with the inter-professional foot clinic team and the Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award. She teaches neurological physical therapy, prosthetics and orthotics, clinical integration of physical therapy concepts and a specialty module in vestibular rehabilitation.   

Education

DPT. Doctor of Physical Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA

M.S. Advanced Masters Physical Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA

 B.S. Physical Therapy, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Key professional service activities

Summer Academic Enrichment Program for student recruitment, 2010-present → https://dhsd.vcu.edu/programs/college/summer-academic-enrichment-program-saep/

Physical Therapy Career Exploration Program, 2011- present → https://dhsd.vcu.edu/programs/high-school/physical-therapy-career-exploration-ptce/

Inter-professional Foot Screening Clinic, 2015-present‌