Featured News
Every day VCU Physical Therapy students, alumni, faculty and staff do extraordinary things. Read more about our latest achievements below.
Paving the way for new therapies for inherited muscle disorders
Department of Physical Therapy assistant professor Michael Kiefer, DPT, Ph.D. is collaborating with the Center for Inherited Muscle Research to establish outcome measures critical for clinical trials in myotonic dystrophy. His work plays a key role in an ambitious international effort to validate new treatments for myotonic dystrophy, an inherited disorder that takes away muscle strength and movement.
Student pro bono PT clinic cares for community
The Physical Therapy student-run CARES clinic provides free rehabilitation services to uninsured Richmond residents. The clinic offers individualized, compassionate care while giving students valuable real-world experience.
A pivot to PT after 22-year military career
Feather Wright marked a major milestone by earning her Physical Therapy degree, an accomplishment she pursued following a 22-year-long career in the U.S. Army – channeling her service experience into a new professional calling.
Our Fall 2024 Newsletter
In our latest newsletter, find an array of stories and other valuable insights about the program.
VCU wins Marquette Challenge for 5th straight year
Keeping an important streak going, VCU Physical Therapy students raised the most funds for research to earn the Marquette Challenge for the fifth year in a row.
Can VR games improve chronic pain?
VCU Physical Therapy researcher James Thomas, Ph.D., director of the Motor Control Lab, is a pioneer in the use of virtual-reality interventional games — like simulated dodgeball and fishing — that encourage trunk movement while distracting participants from chronic back pain. His results: a 31% reduction in pain and a 30% decrease in disability among users.
Scholarships awarded during Commencement, White Coat Ceremony
In addition to welcoming the incoming Class of 2027 and presenting them with their white coats, the Physical Therapy presented scholarships to more than a dozen students across the program during its fall ceremony.
Motivating underserved children to become more physically active
Through her innovative “Together We Run” program, Tamara Buck, PT, DPT, PCS, is helping underserved children ages 8-13 train for and complete a 5K race. The initiative removes barriers to safe physical activity by providing mentorship, race buddies, and necessary equipment.
Physical Therapy alum joins faculty to champion health equity
From Virginia clinics to remote Haitian villages, Kai Kennedy, D.P.T., has dedicated her career to ensuring that everyone – no matter their background or zip code – has access to the care they need to live their fullest lives.
A new vision of mobility for lower-limb amputees
Assistant professor of physical therapy Paul Kline, Ph.D. is leading a VCU study on the unique challenges faced by individuals with lower-limb amputations. The project uses eye-tracking technology to understand how people with amputations visually navigate their environment while walking.
