Student Groups
Student affinity groups are communities where students with shared interests or experiences come together to support one another and foster a sense of belonging. All student affinity groups are open to anyone interested in joining and enjoying.
Asian Pacific-Islander Student Association (APSA)
The Asian Pacific-Islander Student Association at NU PTHMS fosters a safe, inclusive space for all to explore the Asian Pacific experience in America, analyzing the intersectionality between identities, modern social justice issues, and our roles as students and clinicians in healthcare. Through education, advocacy and mentorship we aim to inspire a generation of leaders for health equity that will create meaningful change at the departmental, clinical, state and national level.
Contact APSA at nuptaspa@gmail.com.
Black Student Association (BSA)
Our mission is to create and sustain an affinity space for students to aid in their academic, professional and social needs. We are dedicated to supporting academic excellence, mentoring and social support to enhance the experience of Black students at NUPTHMS. We provide a community where Black students feel recognized, included and valued.
Contact BSA at nupthms.bsa@gmail.com.
Jewish Student Affinity Group
The Jewish Student Affinity group (JSAG) aims to create a space for all NUPTHMS students, faculty and staff to further consider their identities and draw strength from similarly identifying individuals. Members of the JSAG will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers as well as educate others on Judaism and topics related to Judaism.
Contact JSAG at jewishsag@gmail.com.
Latinx Student Association
The Latinx Student Association builds a network and support system where all students physical therapy students and physical therapists empower each other and explore the Latinx identity within the profession. We showcase physical therapy as a profession through community outreach and education, developing cultural awareness to provide high-quality patient care and raising awareness of health disparities among the Latinx community.
Contact the Latinx Student Association at latinxnupthms@gmail.com.
LGBTQIA+ Student Association
As LGBTQIA+ community members and allies, we aim to create an inclusive, open, positive environment to celebrate the community, explore issues relating to the LGBTQIA+ community, and increase the network of healthcare workers who are LGBTQIA+ community members and allies. Using open forums, guest speakers and fundraising events to provide education for NUPTHMS and beyond, this student association gives its members the strength and knowledge to continue fighting wrongdoings they may witness in their everyday lives. We provide space for a thriving LGBTQIA+ community in NUPTHMS where all can feel safe, loved and accepted.
Contact the LGBTQIA+ Student Association at nudptlgbtqiaaffinitygroup@gmail.com.
South Asian Student Association
The South Asian Student Association (SASA) embraces cross-cultural conversation by sharing elements of South Asian culture in new and innovative ways. We incorporate activities and discussions that highlight the unique nuances of South Asian heritage and create an open and welcoming space for all to engage and discover South Asian cultural practices.
Contact SASA at sasa.nupthms@gmail.com.
Student Special Interest Groups (SSIGs) are student-led organizations bringing together individuals with shared academic, professional or extracurricular interests for networking, collaboration and skill development through discussions, events, research and community engagement.
These groups, created and maintained by students, can focus on diverse physical therapy topics like healthcare, technology, business and social issues, fostering community and enhancing learning beyond the classroom. Our students can always create a new SSIG if there is an unrepresented area of interest. Photo image description (right): our students in the Pediatrics special interest group collaborate with the GoBabyGo! Program.
Acute Care
The Acute Care Student Special Interest Group (SSIG) at NUPTHMS enhances student knowledge and engagement in the dynamic field of acute care physical therapy. We organize educational events such as clinician panels, faculty/guest lectures, journal club discussions and skills workshops that focus on topics like early mobilization, ICU care and managing medically complex patients. Our group fosters professional growth for students passionate about providing patient-centered care in fast-paced, critical and dynamic hospital environments.
Disability Justice and Anti-ableism
We are a group of student physical therapists striving to create an inclusive environment for both our peers and patients with and without disabilities. We want to enhance our collective understanding of how ableism presents in healthcare to increase our cultural competency/humility and increase our individual ability to address disparities in our future clinical practice and interactions.
Geriatrics
Leadership
The Leadership SSIG focuses on developing leadership skills while supporting the organization and coordination of other clubs. Members collaborate to enhance communication, streamline event planning and ensure efficient scheduling across various groups. Through mentorship and teamwork, the club fosters a structured and well-managed environment for student organizations.
Manual Therapy
The NUPTHMS Manual Therapy SSIG is an interactive and engaging space where members can learn more about what manual therapy entails and introduce this specialty. More specifically, this group gives second-year students a chance to practice and hone their manual therapy skills and give first-year students a glimpse into some of the MSK content they will be learning about in the future. Our aim is to foster an interest and appreciation for what many of us will be doing for a substantial part of our careers as PTs.
Neuro
The Neuro SSIG provides an environment for students interested in neuro PT to engage with fellow peers, neuro faculty and board-certified clinicians through discussions, guest speaker events, volunteer opportunities and neurologic facility tours. Students gain insight into the career paths of practicing clinicians, including their day-to-day experiences, specialized treatments for specific diagnoses, research involvement and pursuit of neurologic residencies. Overall, the Neuro SSIG helps students develop a deeper understanding of the field and prepare for a future career in neurologic physical therapy.
Pediatrics
The Pediatric SSIG at NUPTHMS is a student-led organization dedicated to fostering interest and professional development in pediatric physical therapy. Through guest speakers, hands-on workshops, community outreach initiatives and collaboration with programs, such as GoBabyGo! and Chicago Youth Program, the group provides students with opportunities to engage with experts in the field and gain clinical experience.
Pelvic Health
The Pelvic Health SSIG is dedicated to exploring the diverse and evolving field of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (PH PT). The group facilitates discussions with experts in the field, covering topics such as the underlying pathophysiology of pelvic dysfunction, career pathways in PH PT, continuing education, various patient populations, inclusivity in clinical practice, residency and private practice. By providing opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, the group aims to support students in expanding their knowledge and interest in pelvic health.
Sports
The Sport SSIG joins SPTs passionate about careers in the sports field, offering a platform for professional growth and community engagement. Through volunteer opportunities, expert guest speakers and social events, members can enhance their knowledge, build connections, and gain valuable insights into the sports therapy profession.
Mentorship and Career Opportunities
Doctor of Physical Therapy Students at Northwestern University have multiple avenues for professional development beyond the classroom and clinic. Students receive advising and mentorship in two formalized programs (STRIDE and ROADMAP) and one informal program (Peer to Peer Mentors.) Each program has a different structure and emphasis, offering students opportunities to connect and grow with faculty, alumni and each other.
Advisement Groups in DPT Education (STRIDE)
The STRIDE program focuses on advising, goal setting, and self-reflection to help students navigate their academic and professional journeys. DPT Students participate in small teams, each matched with three faculty advisors. The purposes of STRIDE include the following:
- To provide support to students by fostering collegial relationships with peers and faculty
- To facilitate reflection
- To help students identify and achieve their professional goals
- To cultivate a sense of belonging
STRIDE teams start during orientation and meet approximately two times each term during the first and second year of the DPT program.
Professional Development and Mentorship Program (ROADMAP)
ROADMAP provides mentorship through a structured framework for students to enhance their skills with hands-on experiences, networking opportunities and career guidance.
In ROADMAP, DPT classes are organized into four groups, with each group being assigned an alumni to serve as a mentor. ROADMAP mentors meet with students once per month, focusing on various topics of professional interest, such as career development, industry insights and skill enhancement. Additionally, these meetings foster connections and relationship-building among the students and alumni, thus facilitating the exchange of valuable perspectives to guide professional growth.
Current ROADMAP Mentors for the Class of 2027
Mary Cheng
Mary Noreen Cheng, a Northwestern DPT graduate and board-certified pediatric specialist since 2021, has practiced at Lurie Children’s Hospital since 2016. She focuses her work in both acute care (ICUs) and ambulatory settings, where she aims to expand the pelvic floor program due to her passion for treating pelvic floor dysfunction across the lifespan.
Kristen Hadden
Kristen Hadden (’01, PT, DPT), a Northwestern graduate with a background in exercise science, has worked at Athletico Physical Therapy since 2000, holding various clinical and managerial roles, including work with endurance athletes, performing artists and pelvic floor conditions, as well as mentoring and supporting clinical systems to improve patient outcomes.
Ginny Ngo
Ginny Ngo, PT, DPT, CLT, is a former professional ballet dancer who graduated from Northwestern with her DPT in 2022. She is completing a Women’s Health Physical Therapy Residency at WashU, where she became a certified lymphedema therapist specializing in pelvic floor conditions for all genders, with a clinical interest in helping athletes return to sport and a passion for mentoring PT students.
Keyra Thurn
Keyra Thurn ('18, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT) is a Northwestern DPT graduate and has been a physical therapist at Athletico since 2018, achieving board certification as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and certification in dry needling. She serves on the NUPT Alumni Board and has been a clinical instructor, driven by a passion for teaching and mentoring NUPT students.
Current ROADMAP Mentors for the Class of 2028
Dorine Danavi
Dorine Danavi is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist with a background in acute care, wound care, lymphedema and outpatient orthopedics. She currently treats adolescents and adults with orthopedic conditions and enjoys serving as a clinical instructor to physical therapy students and mentoring through the RoadMap program.
Brenna Murphy
Brenna Murphy, PT, DPT received her Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology at the University of Oregon before moving to Chicago to attend Northwestern University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program where she graduated class of 2020. During her time at Northwestern, Brenna discovered her passion for working with patients affected by neurological diagnoses, specifically people with spinal cord injuries. Brenna pursued a career at the Shirley Ryan Abilitylab after graduation and has worked on Shirley Ryan's Spinal Cord Innovation Center for over 4 years. She is a Senior I Physical Therapist and a Board Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy. One of Brenna's clinical passions is pulmonary function related to SCI and she is currently part of a research team looking at utilizing Functional Electrical Stimulation to Improve Cough Strength in spinal cord injury in the inpatient rehab setting. Outside of work, Brenna enjoys spending time with her wife (Sarah) and golden retriever (Bogey), exploring new restaurants, cooking, and going to the beach.
Gabby Tanquilut
Gabby Tanquilut, PT, DPT, NCS, graduated from Northwestern University in 2022 where she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. After graduating PT school, she went on to complete a Neurologic Clinical Residency at Tampa General Hospital. Since then, she has been working full time as a Physical Therapist at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, initially starting as a Flex Therapist, then transitioned to a full-time position in the DayRehab setting. Her clinical interests include working with various neurological diagnoses including stroke, traumatic and non- traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, progressive neurological disorders, and functional neurological disorders. She also performs aquatic therapy for patients at the DayRehab level. Gabby discovered her passion for mentoring and teaching throughout her time in residency and is excited to continue providing mentorship/teaching to PT students as both a Clinical Instructor and Roadmap Mentor. She looks forward to supporting students in their journey as they grow and become clinicians of their own.
Malcom White
Malcolm White (’18, PT, DPT, OCS) is a Northwestern DPT graduate and residency alumnus and has been working in outpatient orthopedics at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for over 5 years. He has remained involved with NUPTHMS as a tutor, application reviewer and adjunct faculty, while also leading healthy equity initiatives, engaging in research and clinically specializing in overhead athletes, spinal and knee conditions with MDT and blood flow restriction certifications. He is driven by a philosophy of professionalism, compassion, empowerment and service in his mentorship role.
Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program
The Peer-to-Peer Mentorship program links upperclassmen with incoming students to assist with the transition into and through graduate school.
Each incoming DPT student is thoughtfully paired with a second-year student mentor who offers support, advice, and encouragement before matriculation as well as throughout the DPT program. Regular meetings and informal check-ins ensure that each mentee receives consistent and personalized guidance, creating a solid foundation for success and professional growth.
Having recently gone through similar challenges, peer mentors offer valuable insights, practical tips, and a listening ear. They assist with everything from understanding course material, managing time effectively, adjusting to the program's demands, and finding a healthy school-life balance. This mentorship program fosters a supportive community, helping new students feel more connected and confident as they embark on physical therapy school and the PT profession.
Professional Advancement & Community Engagement (PACE)
PACE provides DPT student the opportunity to engage the community through service experience to embrace the civic and social values of physical therapy professionalism. Developing behaviors consistent with commendable professionalism is an acquired skill that requires learning in both the classroom and the community. PACE is designed to support students' professional growth through preparation, self-reflection, self-discovery and service.
Through the PACE process, students will:
- Identify areas of strength and weaknesses to enhance their professional growth.
- Develop an action plan that includes a volunteer/service activity.
- Participate in a volunteer/service activity within a domestic community organization.
- Share their experiences with faculty and peers.
Students volunteer through PACE at locations like SRALab, Chicago Amputee Soccer Club, Chicago Youth Program (CYP), Equestrian Connection, PAWs, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
PACE Contacts
- Carolina Carmona, PT, DPT
Course Director - Justin Drogos, PT, DPT
Roberto López-Rosado, PT, DPT, MA
Course Leadership - Molly Ann Kanaley, MEd, LPC
Staff
Academic Support & Success
Throughout the program, students may desire support to navigate the challenges of graduate-level, professional education. We offer many resources to support our DPT students so they can learn in a deep and meaningful way. The assistant chair of Student Affairs and STRIDE faculty advisers can also help students determine which supports best meet their needs.
- Learning and Performance Specialists
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Office of Health Equity
- Women's Center
