USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences

📍 Clinical Education Site Visit Spotlight: Brooks Rehabilitation at Halifax Health Medical Center

When visiting Andy during his CE2 experience at Brooks Rehabilitation at Halifax Health Medical Center, he shared how working with a variety of patient populations, including individuals recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, and trauma-related injuries, has helped expand his clinical skills and confidence in patient care.

Andy also reflected on the connection between classroom learning and clinical practice, noting that experiences in USF’s DPT Simulation Lab were especially helpful in preparing him for the inpatient rehabilitation setting and working with neurologic and medically complex patients.

Thank you to the clinical instructors and rehabilitation team at Brooks Rehabilitation at Halifax Health Medical Center for providing a supportive learning environment and helping prepare the next generation of physical therapists.

📍 Clinical Education Site Visit Spotlight: Orlando Health Lake Mary Orlando Health

During a recent site visit, JD shared that he has had a great learning experience during his second clinical rotation at Orlando Health Lake Mary. Working with a variety of patients, including post-surgical, sports, and general orthopedic populations, has provided valuable opportunities to further develop his examination, treatment, communication, and clinical reasoning skills.

JD also highlighted the supportive learning environment and the value of being challenged to become more independent in patient care while receiving guidance and mentorship from experienced clinicians. He noted that he has learned from not only his clinical instructor but the entire rehabilitation team.

Thank you to the clinicians and staff at Orlando Health Lake Mary for helping prepare the next generation of physical therapists through mentorship, support, and hands-on learning experiences.

🚗 Clinical Education Site Visit Spotlight

This week, Dr. Budd is visiting several clinical education sites to connect with students and clinical instructors and learn more about their clinical education experiences.

📍 First stop: Watson Clinic!

During the visit, Alejandra and Matt shared how concepts from Movement Science II have helped them connect classroom learning to patient care. They discussed applying gait analysis and movement observation skills in the clinic and reflected on how their first clinical experience is helping build confidence and clinical reasoning.

Students also highlighted the value of working with experienced clinicians who are providing appropriate challenges, guidance, and mentorship throughout their first full-time clinical experience.

Thank you to the Watson Clinic team for partnering with USF DPT to help prepare the next generation of physical therapists!

PTCAS is official open, and we are accepting applications for the 2026-2027 application cycle! Any questions, email us at [email protected].

Today we celebrate out 25-26 Betty Castor Outstanding Faculty member, Dr. Coppolecchia from the DPT program. Nominations are received from faculty, staff, and students for this award. Congratulations, Dr. Coppolecchia!

Today, we celebrate our 2025-2026 Betty Castor Outstanding Staff Member of the Year, Kevin Quirk! Nominations are sought from students, faculty, and staff.

Way to go Kevin!

A special congrats to Benjamin, Gianina, and Alexie who were recently inducted into the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy - ACAPT National Student Honor Society!

Read more: https://www.usf.edu/health/physical-therapy/news/2026/graduation2026.aspx

ICYMI: We recently held our annual Graduation Celebration to recognize the DPT Class of 2026! Here are a few pics, and you can read more below.

Read More: https://www.usf.edu/health/physical-therapy/news/2026/graduation2026.aspx

We're launching a new research study! Reach out to Dr. Tabatabaei via phone or email.

We are excited to share that numerous recent graduates of our DPT program will be participating in residency programs in Florida and Nationally!

To learn more: https://www.usf.edu/health/physical-therapy/news/2026/26dptresidencies.aspx

American Council of Academic Physical Therapy - ACAPT
Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA)
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)