The Duke Sports Performance Institute (DSSI) recently held its annual Pre-Participation Physicals clinic night, providing essential health screenings and evaluations for local high school and middle school athletes preparing for their upcoming seasons. More than just a routine check-up, this event provided a valuable learning opportunity for Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, who worked alongside experienced physical therapists (PTs) to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the wellness of student-athletes.
According to event organizer Alanna Cooley Baker, PT, MPT, LAT, ATC, SCS, the clinic received rave reviews from athletes and their families, with many praising the exceptional level of care, professionalism, and customer service displayed by the entire team. From thorough assessments to personalized feedback, the dedication of the PTs and DPT students left a lasting impression, reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to high-quality healthcare and education.
The following DPT students played a crucial role in ensuring the clinic’s success: Hana Alvey, Laine Anthony, Brianca Beckford, Ashley Cabeza, Paige Dalloo, Julia Dawson, Winter Earnhardt, Grace Gabriele, Katie Gagnon, Erin Hare, Ivory Jones, Anah Nizar, Monique Passalacqua, Emily Ryan, Shauna Schmidt, Anna Smith, and Curtis Walker.
The Sports Medicine Outreach Program hosted the event at the Duke Physical Therapy Sports Medicine Clinic at the Center for Living, where a collaborative team, including orthopaedic and primary care physicians, physician assistants, fellows, residents, and physical therapists, came together to provide affordable pre-participation physicals for student-athletes in the community.
Reflecting on the event, Michael Essa, DPT, MA, ATC, LAT, SCS, OCS, emphasized that the clinic’s success underscores Duke’s dedication to education, community service, and athlete wellness. By fostering collaboration and mentorship, the DSSI continues to elevate the standard of care and learning opportunities, positively impacting both the Duke community and local student-athletes.
This annual clinic night exemplifies Duke’s commitment to advancing the future of sports medicine, ensuring that student-athletes receive top-tier care and guidance while supporting the next generation of physical therapy professionals in their educational journey.