Recognized Nationwide | Physical Therapy

Our faculty bring extensive clinical and research experience into the classroom. They are recognized nationwide as excellent teachers and mentors. They are dedicated to seeing their students (DPT and PhD) and residents succeed. Outside the classroom, they conduct research, practice in one of our faculty practice locations, and serve on grant review panels, editorial boards, and positions within the American Physical Therapy Association and other societies. Some of our most recent accomplishments are highlighted below.

Recognition as Excellent Teachers and Mentors

2021 UNC School of Medicine inducts Karen McCulloch, PT, PhD as a Fellow of the Academy of Educators
2018 UNC School of Medicine inducts Lisa B. Johnston, PT, DPT, MA, as a Fellow of the Academy of Educators
2018 Faculty Mentoring Award is given to Karen McCulloch, PT, PhD, from the Carolina Women’s Leadership Council in Graduate Student Mentoring

Recognition by the American Physical Therapy Association

2021 Deborah L. Givens, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA achieves the distinction of Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA
2021 Deidra Debnam, PT, DPT becomes an APTA Centennial Scholar through nomination by the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy
2020 Deidra Debnam, PT, DPT named as the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award from APTA North Carolina
2019 Karen McCulloch, PT, PhD, FAPTA achieves the distinction of Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA
2017 Vicki S. Mercer, PT, PhD named Outstanding Physical Therapist by the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association
2016 Carol A. Giulliani, PT, PhD FAPTA, achieves the distinction of Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA
2016 Karen McCulloch, PT, PhD receives the Lucy Blair Service Award

Recognition as Clinical Experts

Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy: Karen L. McCulloch, PT, PhD
Board Certified Clinical Specialists in Orthopedic Physical Therapy: Jon Hacke, PT, DPT, MA, Mike McMorris, PT, DPT, Jeffrey O’Laughlin, and Bria Dunn, PT, DPT
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy: Dana B. McCarty, PT, DPT
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy: Diedra Debnam, PT, DPT
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT): Mike McMorris, PT, DPT and Jeffrey O’Laughlin