As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on SPTRS's remarkable journey of triumphs – celebrating unprecedented achievements in academics, research, clinical practice, and more. Not only did the department reach several records, receive numerous recognitions, and enjoy another year of success impacting our communities, but our University also joined the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Here are some of our biggest moments of the year.
DPT Program Reaches Highest Ranking
In April 2024, the newest list of Best Physical Therapy Programs was ranked and released to the public. The University of South Florida's DPT program was ranked #33, jumping drastically from the previous year's ranking of 49. With this new ranking, we are now a nationally recognized top program, and we are one of only five programs in the top 40 that offer in-state tuition below $70,000. Within the state of Florida, we are the second-best program. We continue to aim high and grow as a program by Moving Lives Forward. Read more here.
NATA Quiz Bowl National Champs!
In July, Athletic Training Program students from the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences traveled to New Orleans to challenge 11 other teams at the 2024 National Athletic Trainer's Association Quiz Bowl. Students Laura Richardson, Rebekah Minter, Valentina de Figueiredo, and Madison Mai were able to best the other 11 teams and bring the NATA Quiz Bowl home! Read more here.
Aimee Klein Retires After 46 Years in the Profession
After 46 years of making changes in the Physical Therapy world, Dr. Aimee Klein has decided to retire. Dr. Klien has an extensive career ranging from working with professional athletes in the clinic, educating future physical therapists, and mentoring junior faculty and residents in the SPTRS community. Dr Klein was one of the leaders who advocated for patients and the profession on Capitol Hill. Dr. Klein's impact on the field of Physical Therapy will inspire future generations for many years to come. The SPTRS team wishes her great happiness and joy in her well-deserved retirement. Read more here.
Florida Physical Therapy Awards
During the recent Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) annual conference, two members from USF Health and one alumnus were recognized for their exemplary contributions to the field. SPTRS doctoral student Whitney Herd was awarded the Outstanding Physical Therapy Student Award. She was joined by Dr. Jeannie Stephenson, who received the Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching. Furthermore, Dr. Christopher Thurston was honored as the Outstanding Physical Therapy Clinical Instructor. The SPTRS team continues to exemplify excellence in their endeavors. Read more here.
2nd Annual Movement Science Pre-College Camp
SPTRS welcomed 25 high school students from various schools for a week-long program focused on careers in movement sciences and rehabilitation. These students were taught by SPTRS faculty and mentored by former alumni. We provided students with a clear understanding of the next steps they could take if they were interested in pursuing a career in athletic training or physical therapy. They received the tools and knowledge necessary to help them achieve their goals in these fields. Read more here.
SPTRS Undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology
SPTRS is proud to offer a groundbreaking undergraduate course for Health Science students aspiring to enter professional programs like physical therapy, athletic training, and occupational therapy. At the forefront of this new program is an anatomy and physiology experience that brilliantly merges in-person lectures with hands-on labs using clay modeling. This innovative approach ignites enthusiasm among both faculty and students, who are ready to elevate their learning through dynamic, kinesthetic tools. These courses are crafted to deepen understanding and improve graduate program success, inspiring a passion for anatomy and physiology that will resonate throughout their careers. Read more here.
Collaborative Learning with St. Petersburg College PTA Program
For the first time, our DPT students and faculty collaborated with the St. Petersburg College Physical Therapy Assistant program for an afternoon focused on communication and collaboration. The students participated in discussions, small group breakouts, and then practiced their skills in our Chalsty Rehabilitation Experiential Learning Laboratory.
All of our educational programs continue to focus on and grow key interprofessional education opportunities that benefit both students and our programs.
Impressive Program Outcomes
The Athletic Training class of 2024 achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on their BOC exam, continuing the program's strong outcomes and pass rates.
The Physical Therapy program also boasted a 98% first-time pass rate for the class of 2024 and maintains its 100% ultimate pass rate.
The Orthopaedic Residency program continues its 100% graduation and pass rate.
Tom Tiedemann Leaves Impact on DPT
Unfortunately, this year, one of our donors, Tom Tiedemann, passed away at the age of 84. Tom was a great supporter of physical therapy, having seen the benefits firsthand with his mother and himself. He wanted to leave a lasting impact on our profession through our DPT program by creating the Tom Tiedemann Scholarship.
The results of this gift will be far-reaching for students at the school. “It’s going to make a huge impact because the funds are going into student scholarships,” Haladay says. “We hope to give several students a year scholarships that will provide partial rides the entire way through. That would be the first time we’ve been able to do that. And it would last in perpetuity. Read more here.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
Our school continues to strengthen and grow our clinical and community partnerships to not only support the school but also provide our students with unique opportunities.
Our students benefit from various clinical opportunities throughout the program thanks to our clinical partners. Many partners attend our career fair and residency showcase, and even volunteer to help with various other programmatic needs.
Our DPT advisory board and SPTRS alumni board continue to meet, grow, and develop new ideas, providing great feedback and insight.
SPTRS Career Fair
AT Students on CE.