The Department of Physical Therapy & Health Science at Bradley University

You really do have to see this...🥰

WTVP Bradley University Physical Therapy | You Gotta See This

Wellness in Action !! Our second-year DPT students are grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Wellness in Action initiative, one of the programs within the Glen and Polly Barton Clinic.

Over the course of 8 weeks, students worked in pairs to provide care for firefighters in the Peoria community, building their confidence and clinical skills through real world experience. Throughout this time, students focused on advancing their abilities in treatment intervention and documentation as part of PT 770.

A meaningful experience serving the community while growing as future clinicians. 🚒

Faculty Spotlight‼️

Dr. Pam Durr had her first national conference presentation this past Saturday with Dr. Kristina Latva at the APTA Acute Care Bridge the Gap Conference. Congratulations on this exciting accomplishment, Dr. Durr!

A big thank you to Kim Metzloff, PT, CLT-LANA for sharing her experiences and knowledge in treating patients with lymphedema. Our program values the clinicians who share their clinical expertise with our students in the classroom and the clinic!!

Huge thank you to our incredible faculty members & professors—and their amazing family members—for showing up and helping make Senior Fitness Test Day for KHS 230 a success!

Alumni Spotlight: Kelly Hernandez, DPT

From Bradley undergraduate to DPT graduate, Kelly Hernandez continues to make a meaningful impact, now growing her passion in pediatrics ❤️

Recently, Kelly worked closely with baby Noah, helping treat his torticollis and plagiocephaly through gentle, compassionate care. By communicating in Spanish with Noah’s mother, Kelly created an immediate sense of trust and connection ensuring both mom and baby felt comfortable and supported every step of the way.

💬 “Seeing Noah progress from delayed to achieving age-appropriate milestones was incredibly rewarding. Watching the happiness and relief on his parents’ faces meant everything.”

Kelly credits her time in the Bradley DPT program to the strong connections she built with faculty and classmates:
💬 “As a first-generation student, I always felt supported. Even when I didn’t know what the ‘right’ next step was, I never felt alone.”

Her advice for current students interested in pediatrics?
👉 Explore it early, get clinical exposure, even if it’s just part of a rotation. There’s so much more to it than meets the eye.

And for new grads:
💬 “Get out of your comfort zone, you might surprise yourself.”

We’re proud to see Kelly using her skills in orthopedics, developmental milestones, and family centered communication to change lives, one patient at a time.

Congratulations to Dr. Kyle Cottone who won the Faculty Award for Research for the College of Education and Health Sciences‼️

Congratulations Dr. Kyle Cottone for winning the College of Education and Health Science 2026 Faculty Research Award!!