On Saturday, March 28, the UNC School of Medicine Division of Physical Therapy hosted its annual DPT Exploratory Day, welcoming 41 prospective students for an inside look at the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and the physical therapy profession.
Held in Bondurant Hall, the full-day event offered attendees an immersive and engaging experience. The program opened with a welcome from Bria Dunn, PT, DPT, and current student Mikaela “Miki” Garcia, who set the tone for a day centered on connection, exploration, and insight into the field.
Attendees then participated in an introduction to the UNC DPT program, led by Division Director Tim Eckard, PT, DPT, PhD, alongside current student Jade Butcher. The session provided an overview of the program’s structure, curriculum, and opportunities, helping prospective students better understand what to expect from their academic journey.
During the session, Eckard engaged attendees with a live poll to learn more about their backgrounds. The results highlighted the program’s strong in-state representation, with 98% of participants traveling from across North Carolina and a small number attending from out of state. While out-of-state representation was limited, current student Miki Garcia, originally from California, shared that she first discovered the Exploratory Day online, flew in to attend, and later applied to UNC without initially expecting it to become her future program, underscoring how events like these can expand access and open doors for students beyond North Carolina.
Following a short break, attendees participated in a hands-on lab experience led by faculty including Bria Dunn, PT, DPT and Michael Lewek, PT, PhD, as well as PhD student Zoe Sheitman, PT, DPT. Held in multiple lab spaces throughout the School of Medicine, these sessions allowed program participants to engage directly with clinical techniques and technologies used in physical therapy education and practice.
Later in the morning, attendees gathered for a faculty and alumni panel moderated by Laurie Ray, PT, PhD. The panel featured a mix of faculty and alumni, including Tim Eckard, PT, DPT, PhD, Kyrsten Le, PT, DPT (UNC DPT Class of 2024), Sarah McAuliffe, PT, DPT, and Diandrea “Dee” McCotter, PT, DPT (UNC DPT Class of 2015), who shared candid insights into their experiences in the field.
Panelists described the day-to-day realities of working in physical therapy as both fast-paced and deeply patient-centered, often consisting of back-to-back one-on-one sessions ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. While schedules vary depending on the setting, such as outpatient clinics or hospital-based care, the profession consistently involves direct, hands-on interaction with patients.
Speakers also emphasized the physical and emotional demands of the role. Physical therapists frequently assist patients with mobility and rehabilitation, requiring sustained physical effort throughout the day. At the same time, they highlighted the importance of addressing the full patient experience, recognizing that recovery is often influenced by emotional, social, and environmental factors. As one panelist noted, treating patients means understanding more than just their injury; it means understanding their lives.
The discussion also explored the importance of maintaining balance in such a demanding field. Panelists spoke about the need to develop resilience, set boundaries, and avoid carrying patients’ challenges outside of the clinic. While acknowledging the emotional weight of the profession, they also emphasized its rewards, including strong job satisfaction and meaningful, lasting patient relationships.
Following the panel, attendees enjoyed lunch at the Beach Café and had additional opportunities for professional headshots before transitioning into afternoon programming. A “Day in the Life” session and small group discussions offered a closer look at the daily experiences of current DPT students, providing space for more personal conversations and questions. Participants also took part in guided tours of the facilities.
The day concluded with an application and admissions session led by Laurie Ray, PT, PhD, offering practical guidance on the application process and tips for prospective students. Closing remarks from Bria Dunn, PT, DPT and current student Zakaria “Z” Bodiford, SPT wrapped up the event, encouraging attendees as they consider their next steps toward a career in physical therapy.
By the end of the event, participants left with a stronger understanding of the field and what it means to pursue a DPT at UNC, equipped not only with information, but with a clearer vision of their potential future in physical therapy.
The UNC DPT Exploratory Day was a collaborative event supported by student, faculty, and alumni volunteers, as well as staff support. The event was sponsored by the North Carolina chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA North Carolina).