The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Alumni Association is proud to recognize Rebecca Keefer, PT, DPT '11, CCS, as the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award. A 2011 graduate of the CU DPT program, Dr. Keefer has built a career defined by clinical excellence, educational leadership, and a deep commitment to mentorship.

Dr. Keefer’s journey into physical therapy began with a strong foundation in sports medicine and a desire to remain in her home state of Colorado. Inspired by a CU alumnus she worked with in Boulder, she chose CU for its reputation and the promise of becoming a highly skilled clinician. Her time in the program was marked by camaraderie, rigorous learning, and memorable moments, including the creation of “WWPD” (What Would Paul Do?) t-shirts in honor of MSK professor Dr. Paul Mintken, a lighthearted tribute to the wisdom and wit that shaped her cohort.

While she initially envisioned a career in outpatient orthopedics, clinical rotations in acute care shifted her trajectory. Dr. Keefer found her calling in critical care, eventually specializing in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy. Her work at UCHealth has included pioneering early mobility programs in the ICU, integrating frailty assessments into heart and lung transplant evaluations, and ensuring PT representation in transplant selection meetings, a testament to her drive to elevate the role of physical therapy in complex medical settings.

In 2023, Dr. Keefer joined the CU PT faculty, blending her clinical expertise with a passion for education. She has led simulation-based learning initiatives, developed ICU simulations, and contributed to integrated practical assessments, all aimed at preparing students for the realities of acute care practice.

Yet, among her many accomplishments, it is mentorship that Dr. Keefer holds most dear. “One of the things I have consistently strived for throughout my career has been to be an excellent clinical instructor and mentor,” she shares. “To have been nominated for this award by one of my former mentees, (a CU graduate who I’ve watched flourish in her own career), is especially meaningful to me.” This recognition not only honors her professional achievements but also the ripple effect of her guidance and support within the PT community.

Looking ahead, Dr. Keefer plans to lead the CU Cardiovascular and Pulmonary PT Residency Program in collaboration with UCHealth, continue her scholarship in frailty and transplant care, and remain a steadfast mentor to students and early-career PTs.

Her advice to current students is simple yet profound: “Healthcare is hard. Find what you are passionate about and pursue it. This will help move you through any challenging times. Share your knowledge. You all have so much to offer.”

Congratulations to Dr. Rebecca Keefer, a clinician, educator, and mentor whose impact continues to shape the future of physical therapy.