Oakland University Physical Therapy Program

03/12/2026

Congratulations to Oakland University Physical Therapy faculty members Dr. Melodie Kondratek and Dr. Kris Thompson on receiving the HALL Award (Health Achievement Leadership Legacy) at the 2026 Healthology Symposium!

This honor recognizes their outstanding leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on our students, program, and community. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition! 👏

03/10/2026

Professional Year 3 Students participated in the Annual Mock House of Delegates recently.
A valuable experience that highlights the operations and governance of our professional association, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The class divided into 4 delegations. Each was led by a chief delegate through their respective caucuses to prepare statements for or against key motions before the house prior to mock voting. The election decided the class speaker for the December 2026 recognition ceremony. Congratulations to Haider Sabir!

03/07/2026

📚 Journal Club Webinar: Exercise for Adults With Spinal Metastasis

Exercise for individuals with spinal metastasis has historically been approached with caution — but what does the latest evidence actually say?

Join us for a 1-hour Journal Club exploring the safety, feasibility, and clinical application of exercise interventions for adults with metastatic spine disease. This session will critically examine findings from The Safety and Feasibility of Exercise Intervention for Adults With Spinal Metastasis and translate the evidence into practical clinical decision-making frameworks.

Participants will gain:
✔️ An overview of current research
✔️ Insight into exercise types studied
✔️ Reported safety outcomes and feasibility measures
✔️ Key gaps in the literature
✔️ Practical guidance for acute, outpatient, and oncology settings

🎤 Presented by Chris Wilson, PT, DScPT, DPT, GCS

Strengthen your clinical reasoning. Expand your oncology rehab knowledge. Join the discussion.

https://www.aptaacutecare.org/events/eventdetails.aspx?id=2041416

03/05/2026

The Class of 2027 was recently practicing airway clearance techniques in their Cardiopulmonary class taught by Dr. Sara Arena. Dr. Arena is celebrating nearly 30 years of teaching this class at OU🐻

03/05/2026

Our PY1 cohort completed a newly re-designed activity called “Crafting the Neck”. In their Neuroanatomy course this week. During this activity the students used their knowledge and creativity to present the bones, muscles, nerves and blood vessels of the cervical spine and skull.

02/20/2026

Proud of OU PT Alumni, Terry Tripp🐻

From the Classroom to Community Impact

Terry Tripp, an Oakland University physical therapy graduate, turned his passion of helping others into an enduring dedication. He brought essential rehabilitation services to rural Michigan and also gives back through an endowed scholarship that supports future physical therapists. His story is a reminder that impactful care can change more than just lives but entire communities.

Read more at oakland.edu/inhealth.

02/20/2026

Falls remain the leading cause of injury among older adults, affecting one in four Michiganders aged 65 and older each year. Since 2010, the death rate for falls in Michigan has nearly doubled from 831 to nearly 1,600 deaths in 2024. Additionally, in Michigan, there were over 25,000 hospitalizations...

02/18/2026

OU DPT students representing on the courts!!! Love seeing representatives from all the cohorts active and having fun🐻

02/17/2026

PY1 DPT students are learning about wheelchairs in Dr. Kapur’s Patient Management class, PT 6756. Students enjoyed rolling into learning by mastering the fundamental wheelchair skills and mobility training to empower patients and caregivers.

02/15/2026

‼️ATTENTION OU SPTs‼️ The PYIIs are hosting a game night this Thursday, February 19th, from 5pm-8pm in HHB 5001 and 5002! All SPTs and DPT faculty are welcome! Bring your favorite game, some food, and have some fun interacting with all of the cohorts!

02/15/2026

Rounding out day 3 at CSM with a final presention representing OU DPT!

Looking forward to CSM 2027 in Philadelphia🐻

02/14/2026

Congratulations to Class of 2026 DPT Students Liz, Brenda, and Haley who received the APTA Oncology Academy Student Research Award!!! Well done🐻