Last Friday, while most students at the MGH Institute were preparing to return to classes, 56 students were celebrating the completion of the 2 ½-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program with a graduation celebration and awards ceremony in 1 CW. 

Several members of the DPT Class of 2025 were recognized with awards. The Adams Fellow Award, which according to the event program is given to students who show leadership abilities, service to the profession, and the potential to make a significant contribution as a clinical scholar, went to three students: Alexia Nachtigal, Alexander Weimer, and Miranda Milunsky. Three more students, Katherine Haddon, Emily Menice, and Diana Berthil were honored with the Marjorie K. Ionta Awards for Clinical Excellence for demonstrating growth and a consistent, excellent performance coupled with outstanding humanistic qualities. 

The Mary Mankin Prize, given to a DPT student who, according to the award criteria, "demonstrates significant potential as a clinical scholar and the ability to make a contribution to physical therapy evidence that supports optimal patient care" was awarded to Ivy Tse, while Noam Segal DPT ’14, Clinical Specialist, MGH Outpatient Physical Therapy received the Outstanding Clinical Educator Award. Nine members of the class were inducted into the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy National Honor Society. 

Johnathon Martinez gave the student address before the class each received their white coats and stolls as a symbol of their transition to clinical practice to the delight of family and friends in attendance. 

“It was a wonderful evening celebrating the accomplishments of the graduates and welcoming their family and friends to campus,” said Physical Therapy Department Chair Keshrie Naidoo. “The faculty are proud to call the graduates our newest colleagues!”