The University of South Florida (USF) Health is excited to introduce Dr. Steven Coppolecchia, PT, DPT, OCS, as the new Director of the USF Health Physical Therapy Center and Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences. With an extensive background in clinical leadership, mentorship, and program development, Dr. Coppolecchia brings a vision for excellence in patient care, education, and research.
Dr. Coppolecchia’s passion for physical therapy began early in his career while working in Manhattan, where he took on the role of New Graduate Mentorship Coordinator. This experience ignited his love for teaching and leadership, ultimately inspiring him to open and manage his own clinic while remaining actively involved in an orthopedic residency program. As the clinic grew, so did his desire to become an educator, leading him to pursue his PhD, which he is expected to complete in 2027.
His experience in clinical management, mentorship, and residency education has uniquely prepared him for his leadership role at USF. “I’ll be able to leverage the skills and knowledge I’ve gained over the past few years, both in managing a clinic and mentoring residents, to benefit the students, faculty, and patients at USF.”
Dr. Coppolecchia was immediately drawn to USF because the position seamlessly aligned with his background in management, teaching, and program development. However, it was the people who truly solidified his decision.
“From my first call with Peggy Tipton to my offer from Dr. Haladay, I knew this team was special. They are building something incredible, and I wanted to be part of it,” he said. “Plus, the weather and the city of Tampa blow New York out of the water!” he joked.
Dr. Coppolecchia’s primary vision for the USF PT Center is to develop a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team that fosters a collaborative approach to patient care. “I want to bring together professionals with different specialties and experiences to enhance how we serve our patients,” he explained.
Beyond building a strong team, he is committed to introducing innovative technologies and expanding specialty services. One of his first initiatives has been incorporating the Biodex isokinetic dynamometer, a state-of-the-art research tool used for patient assessment and rehabilitation.
When asked what excites him most about the position, his answer was clear: “The team. Everyone is incredibly passionate about this profession and committed to advancing it.”
Transitioning into academia presents a unique challenge for Dr. Coppolecchia, but it is one he eagerly embraces. “This will be an interesting but exciting adjustment,” he said. “I have already begun seeking mentorship from established faculty, who have been incredibly supportive and informative.”
Dr. Coppolecchia’s role will directly contribute to the success of the DPT program by ensuring that students receive real-world clinical experiences. “The team we already have, and those we continue to develop, will assist in the classroom, providing hands-on learning that bridges education and practice,” he explained.
To foster collaboration between faculty, students, and clinical staff, he plans to encourage frequent interactions through research, continuing education courses, and clinical development in various specialty areas.
Dr. Coppolecchia is committed to strengthening relationships with local healthcare providers to create a more integrated and collaborative healthcare model. “Building these relationships will not only improve patient care but also open up research opportunities that contribute to better global health outcomes,” he said.
By expanding specialty services, the PT Center will be able to reach a broader patient population and have an even greater impact on the community.
“Communication is the key in all relationships,” he emphasized. “We will remain available and actively seek collaboration in all aspects of patient care.”
As an advocate for mentorship, Dr. Coppolecchia believes that great leaders are first and foremost great servants. “Your team is what makes you successful. As a leader, your job is to remove barriers and create opportunities for them to thrive,” he explained. He maintains an open-door policy, always ready to engage in professional discussions and mentorship. “I have had incredible mentors throughout my career, and I continue to seek guidance from them. I’m excited to pay it forward to students and staff at USF.”
When it comes to balancing leadership, education, and clinical practice, Dr. Coppolecchia relies on prioritization. “There’s always a list of a thousand things to do, but if you focus diligently on the task at hand, you’ll accomplish it with greater success,” he shared. He also credits his supportive family for keeping him grounded. “Having a strong support system at home helps me stay focused, motivated, and ready to take on the challenges of this role.”
Looking at the bigger picture, Dr. Coppolecchia acknowledges one of the biggest challenges in the field: declining insurance reimbursements. “We are getting paid less while being asked to do more. We must continue to validate our services to insurance providers to protect the profession,” he noted. To prepare students and staff for the evolving healthcare landscape, he believes in learning by doing—a lesson he credits to Dr. Craig Vecchiarelli. “Experience is the best teacher. I want to provide students with opportunities to apply what they learn in a variety of ways.”
Despite the challenges, he is excited for the future of the profession. “In my 11 years of practice, I have seen the field evolve significantly. I can’t wait to see what the next generation of physical therapists brings to the table and how they will push the profession forward.”
Dr. Coppolecchia is ready to embrace this new role and work alongside the talented team at the USF Health PT Center. His leadership, combined with his commitment to patient care, education, and innovation, is sure to have a lasting impact on the program and the community. USF Health is thrilled to welcome Dr. Coppolecchia to the team! Be sure to visit the PT Center to introduce yourself and stay tuned for new initiatives and opportunities under his leadership.
Welcome to USF, Dr. Coppolecchia!