The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program exemplifies community engagement in action, showcasing the profession’s deep commitment to social responsibility. Whether leading fall prevention classes at senior centers or volunteering at the local Ronald McDonald House, the UW–Madison DPT program is redefining what it means to responsibly engage with the community, fostering mutual growth, learning, and impact.

For students, these experiences enhance professionalism, expand cultural humility, foster empathy, and strengthen the broader mission of health equity and justice. For community organizations, partnerships can increase capacity, bring fresh energy, and even spark sustainable change.

Global Engagement

As physical therapy becomes increasingly global in scope, clinicians are engaging in diverse international contexts—from refugee health and disaster response to global research and policy development. While local service remains foundational, global engagement has been a distinctive part of the UW–Madison DPT experience for over 15 years.

A key catalyst for this global work is Dr. Jeff Hartman, who began traveling to Belize as a public health student at UW–Madison. With a degree in physical therapy, he helped Hillside Health Care International (HHCI)—a non-governmental organization—develop a community-based rehabilitation program and clinical education initiative at its primary care clinic in southern Belize. Dr. Hartman also helped forge a partnership between HHCI and the UW–Madison DPT program, enabling short-term teams of students and faculty to collaborate with HHCI and the Belize Ministry of Education (MoE).

His work in Belize revealed broader rehabilitation needs across the country, prompting him to advocate for the advancement of rehabilitation professions and improved access to services nationwide. In 2020, he received a Fulbright Scholarship, which enabled him to establish relationships with leaders at the University of Belize, the U.S. Embassy, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, laying the foundation for deeper UW–Madison involvement in Belize.

New Beginnings

After a pause due to COVID-19, the UW–Madison DPT program has resumed its global health initiatives, including short-term service-learning trips and international clinical rotations. These renewed efforts are led by Dr. Hartman and Dr. Jen Doster, who have guided second-year DPT students in collaborative work with Belizean leaders.

These initiatives serve a dual mission: addressing immediate rehabilitation needs and building long-term capacity for the system. In partnership with the U.S. Embassy Health Unit and the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan, students have worked alongside local clinicians to provide direct care and wellness education. They’ve also conducted ergonomic assessments and injury prevention workshops for employees.

Additionally, in collaboration with Evidence in Motion (EIM), the Belize MoE, and three local elementary schools, the team has studied the delivery of pain neuroscience education to children—aiming to shift students’ understanding of pain. This research was recently published in the Belize Journal of Medicine.

Grounded in a philosophy of sustainable, locally driven progress, the UW–Madison DPT program emphasizes ethical international engagement. The goal is not indefinite external support, but the cultivation of local expertise and self-sufficiency—ultimately “working themselves out of a job” by empowering local practitioners and strengthening systems.

Conclusion

The University of Wisconsin–Madison DPT program exemplifies how intentional community engagement—both local and global—can enrich student education while advancing the missions of partner organizations. These immersive experiences foster essential professional competencies such as cultural humility, systems thinking, and ethical, context-sensitive care.

International efforts, particularly in Belize, are guided by principles of sustainability, local leadership, and ethical collaboration. As physical therapy increasingly intersects with global health and public service, integrated models like UW–Madison’s are vital for preparing clinicians to meet diverse needs—delivering immediate impact while contributing to long-term system development.