DPT ’23 graduates (left to right) Alexis Zamudio-Torres, Felix Marechal, Robert Hyon, Ngozi Elendu, Mae Cody and Carolina Marrero-Rodriguez pose outside the Birmingham Free Clinic where students and faculty have provided year-round pro bono physical therapy services since 2016.
Embedded within the Pitt Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a strong emphasis on community engagement by our students, both in Pittsburgh and across the country. All DPT students actively engage with their communities by supporting continued efforts of longstanding community partners or by responsibly initiating new partnerships in their local areas.
Since community engagement was formally added to the DPT curriculum in fall 2021, students have dedicated over 2,000 hours to working with and meeting the identified needs of their communities. The Class of 2023 engaged with 49 unique community partners across nine states. Nearly half of our DPT graduates exceeded program expectations, showcasing their unwavering dedication to community engagement, self-improvement as holistic healthcare providers and impacting the health of society.
CC Lin (DPT ‘24) shares information about the health benefits of physical activity and exercise with a Pittsburgh community member outside the Homewood Community Engagement Center during a community block party.
Numerous students’ community engagement efforts promote health, wellness and equitable access to physical and recreational activities. Over 30 incredible DPT students supported athlete health and fitness exams during the 2023 National Senior Games held in Pittsburgh.
“Being involved in community engagement with older adult members of the Pittsburgh community is extremely rewarding and allows students like me to share their passion for the field of physical therapy through providing weekly exercise classes. The individuals we work with constantly express their appreciation for this program and how it has helped them in their daily lives.”
- Lauren Matulevich (DPT ’24), student director for older adult fitness classes at a Pittsburgh-based senior high-rise shares
Much of Pitt DPT students’ community engagement supports adaptive sports programs across the country, providing invaluable support to individuals with diverse abilities and fostering inclusion. Pitt PT partners with community programs like Mighty Strong Strength and Conditioning, Adapt FORE Vets Golf at Southwestern Veterans Center and Rock Steady Boxing.
DPT ’23 graduate, Phillip Blough, helps a veteran use adaptive golfing equipment during an Adapt FORE Vets Golf event at Southwestern Veterans Center in Pittsburgh.
Danny Bonsignore (DPT ’25) regularly engages in Buddy Strong Academy, an inspirational space in Twinsburg, Ohio, for individuals of all abilities. Bonsignore notes the gratitude that he feels being part of this organization, in which he works to support physical health, wellness and community for all participants.
Rachel Larkin (DPT ’24), student director of Pitt’s Kids Adaptive Swimming feels her engagement has allowed her and her peers to “positively influence the lives of children and their caregivers by teaching water safety and encouraging joy through swimming in an uplifting and supportive environment.” She personally looks forward to using these skills as a future pediatric PT to inspire future patients to achieve their full potential.
Representation Matters
Additionally, students are passionate about inspiring the next generation of health care professionals. Through youth career exploration events, they work to raise awareness about the physical therapy profession, particularly working with groups who have been historically underrepresented in the health sciences. Recently, students have engaged in local career fairs, PittEnrich, Health Professions Prep and in Abell Junior High’s Shark Tank event.
DPT ’24 student, Jasmine Manson, gives high-fives to youth community members during PittEnrich at the Homewood Community Engagement Center and SHRS Wellness Pavilion. Pitt DPT students have led enrichment activities for this program since 2021.
“Leading youth career exploration programs has allowed me to share insights into our profession with those from an underrepresented background who believed becoming a health care professional was an unreachable goal. As part of an underrepresented group myself, sharing my experiences has influenced students who dream about helping others through healthcare services. With the tools obtained, they can dream bigger now!”
- Elena Luna Espinoza (DPT ’24), American Physical Therapy Association PT Moves Me student ambassador and Texas Student Physical Therapy Association (TSPTA) student PT delegate
Several DPT ’24 and ’25 students wash a Pittsburgh community member’s wheelchair during the annual Wheelchair Wash and Tune-Up event.
Many students also dedicate extensive time and skills to provide pro bono PT services, ensuring that quality health care is accessible to all.
“Working in the Birmingham Free Clinic has equipped my classmates and me with practical tools to address common community matters in physical therapy such as language barriers, commuting challenges and housing insecurity to serve patients in the community. As I grow into my role as a physical therapist, I hope to continue to develop active listening to learn the needs of the community on an individual level.”
- PT Student Director Michelle Weintraub (DPT ’24)
Alumni Involvement – We Need You!
As alumni, you are an integral part of our community and we invite you to join us in celebrating the contributions of Pitt DPT students. Have you been involved in community engagement since graduating from Pitt’s Physical Therapy program? Are you able to welcome current students to participate alongside you? Your expertise, mentorship and guidance can significantly enrich the experiences of our students, providing them with invaluable opportunities for growth and learning
If you are interested in sharing your experiences or collaborating with current students, please contact Assistant Professor and Director of Community Engagement Bonnie Virag. We would be thrilled to explore working together to encourage social responsibility and support the needs of communities nationwide.