The Chapman University Doctor of Physical Therapy program is excited to announce the outstanding accomplishments of our faculty, students, and alumni at the 2026 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), one of the largest and most prestigious gatherings of physical therapy professionals in the country.

Hosted annually by the American Physical Therapy Association, CSM brings together thousands of clinicians, researchers, educators, and students to showcase innovation, scholarship, and leadership across the profession. This year’s conference was especially meaningful for Chapman DPT, as our community earned multiple awards and received significant national visibility.

Brett getting an award

Award-Winning Excellence

We are especially proud to share that DPT Associate Professor Dr. Brent Harper received two major national honors at CSM:

  • He was awarded the James Gould Award for Outstanding Teaching in Orthopedics, recognizing excellence and impact in orthopedic education.

  • His abstract was selected among the Best Abstracts in Sports Physical Therapy — chosen out of 280 submissions.

These are significant national distinctions that reflect both individual excellence and the strength of our program’s scholarly work.

Congrats on these significant national awards and recognition, Dr. Harper! 

Dean Janeen Hill shared:

“Congratulations on the huge success and recognition you are recieved at CSM. Your collective efforts for excellence in research, teaching, and service are culminating in national recognition for DPT. This has been and will continue to be a team effort led by a chair with a strong vision that recognizes historical excellence while projecting and building to future excellence. It has been a pleasure supporting your efforts.”

National Visibility and Momentum

We also want to acknowledge the exciting momentum coming out of CSM and the national visibility our program continues to build.

It was amazing to witness:

  • Faculty and students presenting their research and clinical innovations.

  • Alumni earning specialty certifications — a testament to lifelong excellence and leadership in practice.

  • Current students fully engaged in sessions, networking, and professional development.

Additionally, several of our students were interviewed by APTA Orthopedics about why they are members. These features will be shared across their social media platforms, another powerful example of national exposure our DPT program.

DPT Staff and Faculty Group PictureElevating the Chapman DPT Impact

This recognition and moments of visibility elevate our program and reinforce the impact of what we do every day, in our classrooms, labs, clinics, and research spaces.

The momentum from CSM reflects the strength of our community and our shared commitment to excellence. Thank you to all of our faculty, students, alumni, and leaders who contributed to this continued success.

The national stage is taking notice and Chapman DPT is just getting started!