Sep 29, 2026

In this CU Anschutz Today article, featuring Andrew Smith, PT, DPT, PhD, associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Garrett Northrup is a dedicated young rancher with a deep love of Colorado, animals, agriculture and his work. When a rollover ranching accident broke his C5 and C6 vertebrae and paralyzed him from the chest down on Halloween night 2024, it would have been understandable if his outlook on life had changed. Instead, the question became: How can he adapt and get back to doing the work he loves? Now, Northrup is part of a study at CU Anschutz and Craig Hospital that will test if a neurostimulator can activate the undamaged neural tissue in his spine to restore some function to his lower body.

Sep 17, 2026 by Zachary Noriega

The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Alumni Association has named Rebekah Griffith, PT, DPT '08, NCS, FAAOMPT as the recipient of the 2026 Alumni Achievement Award. Dr. Griffith is recognized for her leadership in clinical care, education, advocacy, and professional service, as well as her commitment to expanding the role of physical therapists across healthcare settings. Dr. Griffith will be recognized at the CU PT Convocation Ceremony on December 18, 2026.

Sep 15, 2026 by Zachary Noriega

The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Alumni Association is proud to recognize Melissa Tran, PT, DPT '22, MPH, PhD(c) with the 2026 Rising Star Award for her contributions to research and clinical care in the field of geriatrics. Dr. Tran will be recognized at the CU PT Convocation Ceremony on December 18, 2026.

Sep 11, 2026 by Zachary Noriega

From rural hospitals in Costa Rica to universities and community health organizations in Ecuador, University of Colorado Doctor of Physical Therapy students spent part of their summer learning alongside healthcare professionals and community members. Through workshops, professional exchanges, and cultural immersion, they gained firsthand insight into diverse approaches to health and rehabilitation. The experiences highlighted the value of collaboration, curiosity, and mutual learning across borders. They also reinforced the power of human connection in advancing health and wellness worldwide.

Aug 5, 2026 by Zachary Noriega

Wesley Thornton, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, senior instructor in the University of Colorado Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation's Physical Therapy Program, has received the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine's Ernest Bors, MD Award from the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, Inc. (ASCIP) for his dissertation research.

Jul 22, 2026 by Zachary Noriega

After more than two decades of service to the CU Physical Therapy Program, Wendy Kriekels, PT, DPT, NCS, Senior Instructor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, will retire effective September 1, 2026. Read about her remarkable career and contributions to our program.

Jun 1, 2026 by Zachary Noriega

On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 113 students joined the University of Colorado Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. The White Coat and Oath Ceremony for the residential pathway occurred at CU Anschutz on Thursday, May 28, 2026, with a ceremony scheduled for the hybrid pathway at UCCS on July 11, 2026.

Jun 1, 2026 by Michael Harris-Love

In this candid blog post, Associate Dean of Physical Therapy Education Michael Harris Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA, examines the intersection between science and politics, particularly Docket OMB-2026-0034, and the ramifications for the scientific research community in the United States, as well as a call to action for rehabilitation researchers.

May 19, 2026 by Michael Harris-Love

The CU Physical Therapy Program congratulates Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, on being named the 2026 recipient of the Paul B. Magnuson Award by the VA Office of Research and Development.

Mar 31, 2026

Mark Manago, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, was featured in this CU Anschutz Science Snapshot article on boosting strength in patients living with Parkinson's.

Jan 8, 2026

Michael Harris-Love, DSC, MPT, PT, FAPTA, professor and associate dean of physical therapy education, and his research colleagues published a literature review that stresses the need for standardized definitions and consensus-based guidelines for assessing muscle health.

Jan 5, 2026

Amy McDevitt, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT, associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, was featured in this CU Anschutz Today article where she discusses mobility exercises for low back pain.

Dec 17, 2025 by Michael Harris-Love

The CU Physical Therapy Program mourns the loss of Dr. Carolyn Heriza, who was our program director from 1996 to 2005.

Dec 15, 2025 by Zachary Noriega

The CU Physical Therapy Program celebrated the graduation of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2025. Festivities were held over a three-day period, including the CU PT Alumni Association Graduation Party on Thursday, December 11th, the Convocation Ceremony on Friday, December 12th, and Commencement on Saturday, December 13th.

Nov 17, 2025 by Michael Harris-Love

In this candid blog post, Associate Dean of Physical Therapy Education Michael Harris Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA, examines the mounting challenges facing higher education and health sciences programs. He highlights the dual pressures of declining federal research funding and impending cuts to graduate loan caps, which threaten both scientific innovation and access to professional training in fields like physical therapy. Dr. Harris-Love underscores the economic and societal consequences of these policy shifts, while calling for resilience and unified advocacy within the profession. From historical roots in wartime rehabilitation to today’s policy battles, the article frames physical therapy as a profession prepared to navigate uncertainty with clarity and purpose.

Oct 16, 2025 by Zachary Noriega

The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Alumni Association congratulates Rebecca Keefer, PT, DPT ‘11, CCS on being named the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award. Dr. Keefer will be recognized with this honor at the CU PT Convocation Ceremony in December.

Oct 15, 2025 by Zachary Noriega

The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Alumni Association congratulates Alice Barnes, PT, DPT ‘19, SCS on being named the recipient of the 2025 Rising Star Award. Dr. Barnes will be recognized with this honor at the CU PT Convocation Ceremony in December.

Sep 11, 2025 by Zachary Noriega

CU Physical Therapy students joined forces with adaptive athletes and nonprofit leaders to support two events promoting accessibility in outdoor recreation. From handbiking to the summit of Winter Park, to launching monthly adaptive sports nights at Chicken N Pickle, these future clinicians are helping redefine what’s possible for people of all abilities.

Sep 3, 2025

Dr. Mark Manago, associate professor of physical medicine & rehabilitation, was a featured expert in this HealthCentral article on the mental health benefits of exercise in people living with MS.

Aug 11, 2025

Current hybrid CU DPT student Joanna Zaremba penned this article for the Pikes Peak Courier regarding a humanities course assignment on scars (both physical and emotional).