New Ivy Rehab Scholar Program to Benefit Physical Therapy Students

A new $50,000 Ivy Rehab Scholars program has been established for eligible doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students. Funded by leading clinical provider Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, the multiyear scholarships provide financial support as well as academic and mentoring opportunities. The scholarships also support the recruitment and retention of students from populations underrepresented in medicine to address and improve health equity.

“We are delighted that the Ivy Rehab Scholars grant represents a strong clinical partnership that supports students financially and provides important mentorship and hands-on opportunities,” said Lisa Dutton, PT, PhD, dean of RFU’s College of Health Professions. “We know that this type of broad, meaningful support is critical in our ongoing efforts to diversify the physical therapy workforce and promote health equity.”

With the new scholarship program, two recipients will receive an annual award up to $10,000 during the first two years of study and up to $5,000 in the third year. Additionally, scholars have the opportunity to participate in a clerkship at Ivy Rehab.

“As an RFU graduate, it is an honor to have the opportunity to support the gift that Ivy is making to RFU’s Physical Therapy program,” said Jeremy C. VanDevender, PT '99, chief revenue officer at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy. “While the PT profession has challenges with DEI, we are confident that we can broaden diversity and inclusion across the industry through such academic partnerships and investments. We look forward to working closely with the RFU academic leadership to shape a brighter and more diverse future for the PT industry.”

Ensuring hands-on clinical opportunities with supportive mentorship is a hallmark of RFU’s two-and-a-half year DPT program designed to improve quality of care and patient outcomes, as well as prepare future clinicians to practice in any kind of environment.

“Collaborating with our clinical partners in supporting the education of individuals from historically excluded demographic groups is one of the most direct ways to effect change within our professional workforce,” said Matthew Nuciforo, PT, DPT, PhD, chair and program director of RFU’s Department of Physical Therapy and associate dean of admissions and enrollment. “Together, we are empowering talented students from underserved communities to become leaders in serving society through excellence in interprofessional, person-centered, culturally responsive physical therapy practice.”

In addition to fostering clinical opportunities, Rosalind Franklin and Ivy Rehab will partner in the delivery of academic content and experiential-learning activities, including value-based care and practice management.

“Ivy Rehab is dedicated to being the clinical leader and advancing the profession through high-quality mentorship opportunities, residency programs and healthcare innovation. Partnerships and scholarship opportunities like this push the entire industry to follow suit and continue improving,” said Marla Ranieri, VP of innovation and clinical excellence at Ivy Rehab.

Scholarships will be awarded to students accepted into RFU’s Physical Therapy program beginning in May 2023.

Founded in 2003, Ivy Rehab is a rapidly growing network of best-in-class outpatient physical, occupational, speech therapy, and ABA clinics throughout the United States. The Ivy Rehab Network is comprised of multiple brands dedicated to providing exceptional care, personalized treatment and unparalleled outcomes. With the support of leading middle-market private equity firm Waud Capital Partners, Ivy Rehab will continue its strategic growth via the ongoing investment in new partners who embrace a shared mission, vision, and values, and a culture of being “All About the People.”