Featured News
Every day VCU Physical Therapy students, alumni, faculty and staff do extraordinary things. Read more about our latest achievements below.
Looking to the future of physical therapy
As another academic year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the path our students take to reach graduation and the shared commitment our students, faculty, clinical partners and alumni make to drive our program forward.
VCU takes third place in 2025 Marquette Challenge
VCU’s Department of Physical Therapy delivered another standout performance in the 2025 Marquette Challenge, placing third nationally among participating programs. Led by student organizers and supported by faculty and alumni, PT students raised critical funds for the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, the only national nonprofit solely dedicated to advancing physical therapy research.
A full-circle journey: Reid Moseley’s path from DPT student to clinician-scholar
Over a decade, Reid Moseley, DPT, has cycled through virtually every stage of professional development in the field of physical therapy, from student to resident to student again – all at the VCU College of Health Professions.
Finding purpose in practice
John Mantanona, DPT, is a neurologic physical therapist at Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI), an inpatient rehabilitation facility and a collaboration with VCU Health. He credits the VCU-SAI Neurological Physical Therapy Residency Program – which he completed in 2025 – with transforming not only how he treats patients, but how he thinks as a clinician.
New Physical Therapy Faculty member discusses experience, what she wants to bring to the college
One of the newest faculty members at the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Health Professions is Alicia Flach, DPT, PT, EdD, who serves as an associate professor and assistant director of clinical education in the Department of Physical Therapy. Flach, who joined CHP last November, has been instructing physical therapy programs since 2014.
PT recognizes students during Commencement activities
In May, the Department of Physical Therapy recognized the Class of 2026, including several students who received honors and awards.
VCU Physical Therapy shines at APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Anaheim
Faculty, students and alumni from VCU’s Department of Physical Therapy left the 2026 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting in Anaheim feeling energized, connected and proud of the program’s growing national impact.
Delivering pediatric PT through a trauma-informed lens
After graduating from Georgia State University with an art history degree, Rachel Burch Belcher found herself at a crossroads. She had planned to pursue museum education but, after being waitlisted for graduate school, took a job as a nanny. The role brought her into the life of a young child with significant developmental delays, a turning point she didn’t yet recognize.
Chris Reading ‘85 pushes for physical therapy’s place in the healthcare system
Forty years into a career that began in the clinic, Chris Reading is helping shape the future of physical therapy at the national level. A 1985 graduate of VCU’s physical therapy program, Reading spent nearly two decades in clinical practice in the Richmond region before moving into executive leadership.
VCU Physical Therapy students help drive amendments to Virginia health care legislation
At this year’s Virginia General Assembly, two VCU Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students helped push forward legislation designed to better support health care providers serving vulnerable populations.
