The Next Generation of Health Care Leaders

Left to right: Dean Mary Klotman, MD, Duke DPT student Alvin So, and Duke PA student Daren Solis in conversation during a panel discussion in the Duke School of Medicine.
As the Fall 2025 semester begins, Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student Alvin So shares his inspiring journey from international fencing competitions to the classroom and clinic. Featured in a conversation with Duke School of Medicine Dean Mary Klotman, MD, Alvin reflects on how a serious injury—and the care he received during recovery—sparked his passion for physical therapy.
Now a member of the Duke DPT Class of 2028, Alvin is channeling his firsthand experience as a patient into a career dedicated to helping others heal and thrive. In the video, he discusses the transformative impact of physical therapy, the collaborative spirit of Duke’s health professions programs, and the values that guide his approach to patient care.