Welcome, Dr. Ralph Rodriguez-Torres
For Dr. Ralph Rodriguez Torres, physical therapy has always felt like a natural intersection of his interests. “I could envision a career that integrates multiple areas I’m deeply passionate about: children, physical activity, and exercise,” he says. “PT felt like a profession where those interests could meaningfully intersect.” Since graduating in 2020, that inspiration has only grown as he’s entered a field that allows him to work with children and adults with specialized care needs, with a focus on improving access to movement and overall health.
His interest in research began even before PT school. As an undergraduate, he worked as a research assistant in behavioral psychology, which sparked an early curiosity about clinical research as a possible career path. When exploring PT programs, Columbia’s strong emphasis on research stood out, and during PT school that interest became more focused. “The defining experience was the research practicum elective and the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Jacqueline Montes,” he explains. “That experience solidified my interest in pursuing a research-focused trajectory alongside clinical practice.”
After graduating, the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic led him and his wife to temporarily leave New York City, but they later returned and he began working in the pediatric neuromuscular clinic at CUIMC. There, he became integrated into a multidisciplinary neuromuscular research group and spent the next five years serving as a clinical evaluator on multiple industry-sponsored clinical trials, while also collaborating on investigator-initiated projects focused on children and adults with rare neuromuscular conditions. “Through this work, I gained unique insights into some of the more complex areas of need for these clinical populations,” he says.
In fall 2023, he began pursuing a PhD in Kinesiology with a focus on Applied (Exercise) Physiology at Teachers College, driven by a desire to further develop his research skills and deepen his expertise in addressing persistent unmet needs related to movement, physical activity, and exercise in individuals with neuromuscular disease.
Now, officially returning to the Programs in Physical Therapy, the experience feels especially meaningful. “While I’ve remained closely connected to the faculty over the years as a colleague, collaborator, and friend, formally joining the program as a member of the team feels incredibly exciting and full circle.”
Along the way, mentorship and collaboration have shaped how he approaches both research and clinical care. Referencing mentor and neuromuscular research pioneer Dr. Darryl De Vivo, he reflects that “the sum of its parts is greater than the whole,” adding, “I’ve come to appreciate how shared purpose and collective effort consistently exceed the impact of individual work alone. In both research and clinical care, teamwork is essential.”
Looking back, he wishes he had known earlier how flexible a career in physical therapy can be. “It is okay and often beneficial not to have everything figured out early on,” he says. “Being open to new opportunities, asking questions, and allowing your interests to evolve can lead to career directions that are both unexpected and deeply fulfilling.” For students curious about research, his advice is simple: “Start by reading and asking questions. If you’re drawn to a specific topic or patient population, seek out the individuals doing that work, reach out, and learn from them. Curiosity and initiative go a long way.”
Outside of his work, he’s an avid runner and recently completed his 14th marathon at the New York City Marathon. He’s already looking ahead, with plans to run his sixth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2026.