The mission of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Department of Physical Therapy is:
“Advancing physical therapy and human movement through exceptional education, pioneering research, and transformative clinical practice.”
The vision of the UMMSOM Department of Physical Therapy is:
“We envision a future where our learners lead as compassionate and innovative movement experts, shaping the landscape of healthcare through their expertise in movement science.
We strive to be a global leader in innovative research, layered education, clinical excellence, and community engagement, fostering a world where optimal movement is the cornerstone of human well-being.”
The individual and collective efforts of all members of the Graduate Programs in Physical Therapy are directed toward the attainment of specific goals and objectives that emanate from the principles expressed in the following philosophic statement:
“Physical therapy is a health profession whose primary purpose is the promotion of optimal human health and function through the application of scientific principles to examine, evaluate and intervene in the human movement system in order to prevent or alleviate acute and prolonged movement dysfunction through evidence-based practice.”
Implicit in the University of Miami Department of Physical Therapy’s philosophy is the development and application of the principles and practices of professional discipline, clinical decision making, education, leadership, management, and research. Thus, our graduates are prepared for future professional and societal obligations through providing leadership and contributing to both the growth of the profession, and the clinical research agenda.
The graduate programs in physical therapy at the University of Miami are committed to providing quality educational experiences at three levels: 1) entry into the profession (DPT Program); 2) attainment of advanced skills in areas of specialization (Residency Programs); and 3) preparation of research-oriented academic faculty members (PhD Program). All programs have structured learning experiences aimed at enhancing the health of the public, optimizing patient care, and promoting research. The faculty of these programs strive to prepare professionals who can effectively carry out the expanding responsibilities of physical therapists as health care providers practicing collaboratively in primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings, and in education, consultative, and research environments.
The faculty recognize and value the importance of a strong background in basic sciences, clinical sciences, health systems sciences, and the humanities. All three curricula, therefore, include integration and expansion of knowledge in all of these areas as they apply to physical therapy practice. To facilitate the development of attitudes and insights necessary for sustained and continued professional growth, the faculty model the characteristics of master adaptive learning, critical thinking, therapeutic presence, commitment to research, and a tolerance for ambiguity.