“The new immersion space allows me to finally connect in person with my colleagues. It is very evident that this space is top tier and very high class. You can tell that this is such a prestigious DPT program from this space alone. To dedicate the Box just to us for our immersions puts Pitt DPT above and beyond, and shows how much they care about their hybrid students. This is something that I am proud to be a part of and proud to show off.”
Allison DeJidas, DPT ‘25
Landing a Permanent Home
For the past two years, faculty and students from the Pitt Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Hybrid program would converge on the Pittsburgh Convention Center multiple times a semester for their weeklong, in-person immersion sessions. They were highly coordinated and successful, but those behind the production often laughed that the logistics and equipment necessary to make it happen could rival a Broadway show.
This fall, the DPT Hybrid program was excited to finally christen its permanent home at the Box Office building in the SouthSide Works complex on Pittsburgh’s South Side. With one orientation and its first full week of immersion completed, early reviews of “the Box,” as it’s known, are that it is a smashing success.
“Moving to the Box has been a great experience. After spending two years at the convention center this space feels like home! No more moving equipment, setting up the space, making sure the show would go on. No more roadshow! I look forward to the immersions in the Box for all it has to offer both students and faculty, a great learning environment that is our own.”
Kim Nixon-Cave, DPT Hybrid program director and professor
“Finding a permanent home for the students and faculty engaged in the Hybrid DPT option has been a critical next step to ensuring that all of our DPT students feel connected to the university, connected to the program and connected to one another. The addition of the Box space to the Pitt Physical Therapy facilities was truly a collective effort from individuals within the university, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the Department of Physical Therapy—a process that never could have happened as quickly as it has without the amazing leadership and vision of this team.”
David Wert, vice chair of Doctor of Physical Therapy Education and associate professor
A Foyer for Friends and Studying
When students enter the doorways of their new Pitt DPT Hybrid home, they are met with a large and unique foyer with a grand staircase that provides additional opportunities for academic and social gatherings. A digital projector above the foyer has been used to show course materials and videos.
Spacious Classroom and Lab Spaces
The second floor is 25,000 square feet that includes two distinct lab spaces that can each accommodate up to 100 students, a student lounge, small conference room and an outdoor patio that overlooks the SouthSide Works neighborhood.
Pictured below is adjunct faculty member Lauren Williams teaching second-year DPT students in the Patient Management 3 course. The topic on this day was amputations and prosthetics. In addition to students and faculty members, we also had some of our community educators: those with lived amputation and prosthetic experience. These community educators graciously share their experiences with our DPT students!
“Being able to go through the first immersion at the Box was incredible, it allowed me to have a ton of hands-on experience as well as a chance to finally meet all my amazing classmates in person! Physical therapy is a very hands-on profession, so being able to go to the Box during immersion allows everyone to gain the hands-on experience that every student of physical therapy needs to learn and grow.”
Brennen Redcay, DPT ‘25
“I enjoyed being at the new labs. They’re spacious, and we have a great view from up there! I also loved the equipment they got for us, like the new adjustable tables. It’s so much easier to work on our skills!”
Elena Luna Espinoza, DPT ‘24
Technology for the Highest Quality Instruction
Since the space will simultaneously accommodate two cohorts of 90 hybrid students each, the Box was equipped with an extensive audio-visual system that includes ceiling and wall monitors for ease of viewing demonstrations regardless of location within the learning space.
The proximity of the Box to the residential facilities at Bridgeside Point also allows for easier student access to the gross anatomy lab housed on the third-floor of Bridgeside Point—a short jaunt across the Hot Metal Bridge.
“The new space is great. We are now closer to Bridgeside Point, which reduces travel time to the cadaver lab and other Physical Therapy and research offices. All of the necessary equipment is in the same space, which allows for a more efficient lab set-up. “
Reivian Berrios Barillas, assistant professor
Recreation and Recovery
“I love the rooftop space along with the study area when walking into the building. Having a basketball court nearby where we could go to take breaks was something great to have to release the stress hormones that had built up from studying long hours.”
Tamoya Brown, DPT ‘24
The location is also surrounded by walkable amenities such as cafes, food trucks, restaurants and retail stores that faculty and students have already frequented during their breaks and lunches.
“Although it is off campus, the area has more of a campus feel compared with our previous location at the convention center. There is a variety of student friendly food, exercise and entertainment options within a one to two block radius at the Box.”
Kara L. Kobal, DPT Residential program director and associate professor
