Featured News
Every day VCU Physical Therapy students, alumni, faculty and staff do extraordinary things. Read more about our latest achievements below.
APTA honors VCU alum for excellence in academic teaching
Anne Lorio, DPT, Ph.D., a 2001 graduate of VCU’s physical therapy masters program, was already nervous in the moments before delivering a graduation address to her physical therapy students at Georgia State University earlier this year. The call she received before taking the stage made the moment even more memorable.
PT graduates prioritize giving back
It’s easy for life to get in the way. Yet three graduates of VCU’s College of Health Professions Physical Therapy program — all in demanding, full-time practice — continue to find ways to give back to the program that helped mold their careers.
PT alum Fiorante takes ‘beautiful game’ of soccer to new places
For Michael Fiorante, DPT, soccer has always been more than a sport. It’s a language that anyone can speak.
VCU Physical Therapy student honored with National Rizing Tide Scholarship
For first-year Physical Therapy student Zion Segears, earning the Rizing Tide Scholarship is more than just financial support, it’s a stepping stone toward his dream of owning his own physical therapy practice and helping others find healing, just as he once did.
White Coat Ceremony welcomes 56 PT students into Class of 2028
At the annual Department of Physical Therapy White Coat Ceremony on Sept. 5, the Physical Therapy Doctorate program welcomed 56 new students to the College of Health Professions. The ceremony included recognition of current student leaders and award recipients, highlighting the program’s culture of service and achievement.
Lamb Lecturer calls for ‘expertise without borders’
At this year’s Robert L. Lamb Distinguished Lectureship, Rob Landel, DPT, challenged VCU physical therapy students to seek out opportunities to specialize – but learn to cross lanes because therapists can best help patients when they do.
Driven by purpose and impact
As Virginia’s top-ranked program, VCU Physical Therapy thrives because of the people who bring our mission to life: our students, faculty, alumni and community partners. In this Summer issue of our newsletter, you’ll find powerful examples of how our commitment to innovation and service is transforming lives and shaping the future of our profession.
On the quest to continue Marquette Challenge streak
VCU Physical Therapy students are looking to extend their 5-year streak of winning the Marquette Challenge, a national fundraiser supporting the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research (FPTR). To honor this run of victories, the event has been renamed the VCU-Marquette Challenge for this year.
Students honored during Commencement activities
During an awards luncheon, Physical Therapy celebrated the Class of 2025 and presented several recognitions.
Wilkins: Heart of a PT with vision of a hospital leader
Joe Wilkins is a three-time VCU graduate – two physical therapy degrees and a master's in health administration – who serves as president of St. Francis Medical Center in Chesterfield County. At the December 2024 Commencement, he and wife Tonya Parris-Wilkins received the Edward A. Wayne Medal, which celebrates alums who have made outstanding contributions to the university. Their support includes establishing the Parris-Wilkins Scholarship, which has supported 18 students in achieving their educational goals since 2012.
