Director's Welcome

For over eighty years the Columbia University Programs in Physical Therapy has enjoyed a long, rich history of evolution and innovation in one of the greatest cities in the world. From its beginnings that culminated with a certificate of proficiency to the adoption of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, today its expansion includes an Orthopedic Residency, Performing Arts Fellowship, EdD in Movement Science, and a growing faculty practice. What truly amazes me are the incredible students from across the US and beyond and phenomenal faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized in varied areas of clinical and research expertise. What excites me is where we will go from here. What educational advances will be discovered and incorporated, what will be learned through research inquiry, how will we continue to meet the physical therapy needs of society- to maximize movement so our patients can thrive?

As we celebrate our 82nd year, we strive to create a space of learning dedicated to the respectful observance of the many different peoples, cultures, and celebrations that make us who

Jean Fitzpatrick (Timmerberg), PT, PhD

we are now—and who we want to be in the future. The faculty and staff within our program share the vision for excellence in physical therapy education. Together we will continue to work tirelessly to meet the needs of our students, and academic and clinical faculty to graduate health care professionals from diverse populations and backgrounds who have the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes that meet societal needs. 

Going into the new year, we will build on our past successes as we continue to improve and expand the quality of programming, education and clinical care that the Programs in

Physical Therapy provides to the Columbia University community and beyond. While following the footsteps of the exceptional leaders who preceded me is certainly daunting, I am incredibly humbled and honored to become the new Program Director. I am also so fortunate to be a part of a fantastic faculty and administrative team whose commitment to our students, the Programs in PT, our patients, and the physical therapy profession is astonishing.

We invite you all to visit us in the Georgian Building 3rd Floor and to look out for some of our most exciting programming for the Academic Year 2023-2024!

Sincerely,

Jean Fitzpatrick (Timmerberg), PT, PhD
Pronouns in use: She, her, hers
Director, Programs in Physical Therapy
Vice Chair, Dept. of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine
Assistant Dean, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons
Associate Professor, Dept. of Rehabilitative & Regenerative Medicine
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist