Congratulations to the DPT Class of 2019

Their ages upon entry to the DPT program ranged from 21-41; they came from 16 US states and 3 different countries.  They completed their undergraduate work at over 50 universities and their majors ran the gamut from health and science fields to music and anthropology.  On May 21, Convocation Day, they stepped up to the podium to receive awards and to be hooded, followed by graduation on the main campus the following day.  The Convocation keynote speaker was Gail M. Jensen, PT, PhD, FAPTA, a leader in the field of physical therapy. Dr. Jensen is Dean of the Graduate School and College of Professional Studies, Vice Provost for Learning and Assessment, Professor of Physical Therapy, and Faculty Associate, Center for Health Policy and Ethics, Creighton University. She has published extensively, most recently the third edition of Handbook of Teaching for Physical Therapists; Leadership in Interprofessional Health Education and Practice; Expertise in Physical Therapy Practice.

Ten students received faculty awards for excellence in numerous disciplines; see the complete list here.

Meet some of our graduates   and learn about their journeys to the DPT program..  

Kayla Coutts

Kayla Coutts shared these thoughts on her DPT experience: “Being part of Columbia’s medical campus allowed us to participate in interprofessional programs. I particularly enjoyed taking a Columbia Commons seminar on treating individuals throughout the lifespan.  I was able to interact with our professors on through different activities. Dr. Laurel Abbruzzese and I were in each other’s dances in the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons’ annual Dance Haven performance, with students from across the campus. I got to know Dr. Clare Bassile through the Neuro track, and Dr. Martha Sliwinski through PTCAN.  Two of my favorite memories are going on the Guatemala [Service Learning] trip with Drs. Lisa Yoon and Galen Schram (class of 2016), and volunteering for Spinal Mobility in Harlem.”

Kyle Zriebe

Reflecting on his vision for the future, Kyle Zriebe, class Convocation speaker, said: “Now it’s time to keep climbing that ladder. But we must make sure to build wider, more adaptive ladders, with space at the top for folks who have more chromosomes than we do, and fewer limbs than we do. Ladders that accommodate people who walk differently or wheel differently than we do. Ladders that have space for people of all colors, all genders, all sexual orientations.“ 

Leah Wylie

Leah Wylie commented: “It’s impossible to describe the excitement and accomplishment that I felt on convocation day and commencement day.  One thing that really stood out was that our professors were nearly as excited as we were. Although I am thrilled to see the challenges of PT school in the rear view mirror, I hope that our faculty know that they are immensely appreciated and will be greatly missed."

We congratulate the Class of 2019 once again, and look forward to learning about their professional and personal accomplishments as they embark on their careers as physical therapists.

Take a look at our graduation photo album!