Lewis University DPT

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Lewis University DPT

Accreditation Status of the Lewis DPT Program: https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/dpt/index.htm

09/16/2026

Celebrating Lewis University DPT leadership at Nexus Summit 2026! 🎉

Dr. Arvie Vitente, Professor and Founding Program Director of Lewis University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, joined Nexus Summit 2026 as an invited speaker on September 15.

He joined fellow educators and scholars for “JIEP’s Special Issues Initiative: An Unprecedented Opportunity for Scholarly Engagement.” The session focused on upcoming special issues of the Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice and opportunities for authors to contribute to interprofessional scholarship.

Connecting perspectives across health professions creates opportunities to strengthen education, research, and collaborative practice. We’re proud to see Dr. Vitente representing Lewis University in this conversation!

09/09/2026

We are proud to share that Dr. Arvie Vitente, Founding Program Director and Professor of the Lewis University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, will be one of the featured speakers for the APTA FiRST Network’s upcoming APTA LIVE webinar:

“Beyond the Prompt: Human Judgment and AI in PT and PTA Education”

Dr. Vitente will join Drs. Rich Severin, Evan Papa, and Kendra Gagnon for an interactive discussion on how artificial intelligence can strengthen teaching and learning while preserving clinical reasoning, academic integrity, privacy, equity, and professional accountability.

Participants will gain practical examples for PT and PTA education, strategies for redesigning assessments, and approaches for preparing future clinicians to practice responsibly in an AI-enabled profession.

Register today: https://bit.ly/4qZjSV4

09/08/2026

Lewis University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program proudly supports World PT Day 2026!

This year’s focus on cardiovascular disease and stroke highlights the vital role physical therapists play in prevention, recovery, and helping people regain movement, independence, and quality of life.

Today, we celebrate physical therapists worldwide and the future professionals preparing to advance the health of the communities they serve.

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, Lewis University DPT honors the dedication, skill, and hard work of individuals across every profession, especially the healthcare professionals who serve their communities each day.

Thank you for the difference you make. Wishing everyone a safe and restful Labor Day! 🇺🇸

09/03/2026

🌟 Congratulations to Sebastian Trevino-Ramirez, SPT, Class of 2028, our Outstanding Student Physical Therapist of the Month for September 2026! We are proud to recognize Sebastian and celebrate his leadership and professionalism at . Keep soaring, Sebastian!

08/31/2026

🌟 Lewis DPT Faculty Highlight: Dr. Laura Donatello-Gebhard, PT, DPT, C/NDT

This semester, our students had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Laura Donatello-Gebhard in pediatric physical therapy. As adjunct faculty, Dr. Donatello-Gebhard brings extensive pediatric experience across outpatient practice, early intervention, aquatic therapy, and positioning and adaptive equipment.

Her clinical expertise and passion for education help connect classroom learning with the realities of pediatric PT practice.

We are grateful to have Dr. Donatello-Gebhard as part of the Lewis University DPT faculty! ❤️

08/25/2026

🌟 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT 🌟

Meet Kristi Koch, PT, DPT, PCS, adjunct faculty in the Lewis University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

Dr. Koch is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy and a Neurodevelopmental Treatment–Certified clinician. She is also licensed in Illinois as an Early Intervention Provider for assessment, treatment, and assistive technology.

With 24 years of experience supporting physical therapy education, Dr. Koch has served as a clinical instructor and adjunct faculty member in pediatrics and lifespan development. Her clinical practice spans school-based and natural environments, where she works with children with a wide range of developmental conditions.

At the heart of Dr. Koch’s work is a commitment to helping children achieve greater independence and an improved quality of life while supporting and empowering their families.

We are grateful to have her pediatric expertise, clinical experience, and dedication to teaching as part of the Lewis DPT community!

08/21/2026

🌟 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT 🌟

Meet Michelle Walaszek, PT, DPT, PhD, Director of Admissions and Student Affairs and Assistant Professor of Practice in the Lewis University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

Dr. Walaszek brings more than a decade of research experience in lower-extremity biomechanics, physical activity, and functional and patient-reported outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Her research examines how social determinants of health influence sport performance and return-to-sport outcomes in adolescents and adults.

In 2025, Dr. Walaszek received the Gansneder Dissertation Award for Quantitative Research for her doctoral work at the University of Virginia. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, presented her research at local and national conferences, and continues to pursue collaborative, multisite research opportunities.

Through her leadership in admissions and student affairs, Dr. Walaszek is committed to supporting our students and building meaningful connections among students, clinicians, educators, and researchers to advance evidence-informed physical therapy practice.

We are proud to have Dr. Walaszek as part of the Lewis DPT faculty!

08/19/2026

Lewis University DPT students enjoyed a wonderful evening connecting with fellow DPT students and physical therapists from across the Chicago area, thanks to Duly Health and Care. Complete with putt-putt, great food, and even better company! ⛳️🏌️‍♀️

08/14/2026

Today we celebrated our second-year DPT students as they prepare for their first full-time Integrated Clinical Experience. Lead with safety and dignity, stay curious, seek feedback, communicate clearly, and reflect daily. Trust your preparation—you are ready!

Address

1 University Parkway
Romeoville, IL
60446

Website

https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/dpt/

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