The George Washington University (GW) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students are leaders both in and out of the classroom and enjoy participating in both department and School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) and University activities. The experiences range from professional development and interprofessional collaboration to community service and social events.
Physical Therapy Student Organization
GW’s Physical Therapy Student Organization (PTSO) is the collective voice of the DPT students within the program and the University. Members orchestrate social and professional events for GW Student Physical Therapists, create events that bring together physical therapy students from different schools in the region to network and share ideas, and participate in community engagement initiatives in the DC metropolitan area. The PTSO also participates in fundraising efforts to raise money for physical therapy research through the Foundation for Physical Therapy's Marquette Challenge.
Annual PTSO highlights include the Community Service Challenge, Halloween party, Second Year Send Off, PT Day of Service, Walk with a Doc, Pie A Professor fundraiser, and attending the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting.
The PTSO supports the Little Workers of the Sacred Heart Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic, a non-profit organization focused on bringing healthcare to the underserved and underinsured populations in the DC area, by coordinating student volunteers and equipment, as well as fundraising to provide clinic supplies.
School of Medicine and Health Sciences Student Council
The School of Medicine and Health Sciences Student Council (SMHS SC) is the umbrella organization representing all SMHS student organizations. MSHS SC works to support student group events, distributing funding to student organizations, and planning SMHS-wide social activities, including Follies and the annual SMHS Formal. Each GW DPT class elects two representatives to SMHS SC.
GW Intramural Sports
In between class, lab, and studying, many GW DPT students participate in the GW Intramural Sports, where they have some fun and engage in some healthy competition in sports such as soccer, volleyball, and basketball. GW DPT students often create teams or students can join an existing team to get to know other students across the University or to try a new sport.