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HPU's 24-month hybrid DPT program blends distance learning, on-campus labs, and clinical experiences in a multicultural environment.
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DPT faculty members Meynard Enriquez (left) and Kayla Black (right) discuss coursework with a DPT student during a lab session.
HPU has partnered with Duke University to launch a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Faculty Development Residency Program. As the second university to partner with Duke, and the first to offer a hybrid format combining online coursework with hands-on clinical experience, HPU is set to enhance the academic preparation of future physical therapy educators. The 24-month program offers DPT professionals aspiring to become full-time faculty members invaluable teaching and mentorship experience.
“The Faculty Residency Program is an incredible opportunity to prepare future physical therapist educators while benefiting from learning through an experiential format. In addition, Duke has a long-standing and highly successful Faculty Residency that we are fortunate to join," said HPU DPT Program Director and Professor Mary Jane Rapport, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA.
Residents will receive hands-on mentorship from Rapport along with HPU DPT faculty. This guidance will help residents hone their teaching skills in areas such as clinical education, musculoskeletal PT, neuromuscular PT, and other core components. Additionally, they will actively participate in curriculum, admissions, governance, service, and scholarship, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience.
Meynard Enriquez and Kayla Black during a DPT lab session.
Meynard Enriquez, PT, DPT, has been part of HPU's DPT program since its inception two years ago as a lab adjunct primarily in the Musculoskeletal (MSK) courses. Enriquez is the first resident in the Duke Faculty Development Residency program at HPU. He is set to broaden his academic contributions and deepen his role in shaping the next generation of physical therapists in Hawaiʻi.
“The Duke Faculty Residency program will allow me to learn many aspects of teaching that I wouldn’t necessarily get as an adjunct,” said Enriquez. “With the guidance of experienced mentors, the program will help me improve how I teach and ensure our students receive an enriching learning experience. This mentorship is crucial for bridging the gap between clinical practice and effective teaching.”
Enriquez, who has been a physical therapist for 22 years and has taught in an orthopedic residency program in Denver for the past five years, will deepen his understanding of educational theory, pedagogy, and academic governance—knowledge critical for transitioning to a full-time academic role.
“I love being with HPU. I’m a Hawaiʻi resident. My wife was born and raised on Kauaʻi, and we have raised our kids on the islands. It’s been a wonderful experience being part of a program that benefits the residents of Hawaiʻi,” Enriquez shared. “I hope to be able to educate our students not only about physical therapy but also help them glean knowledge about the culture, values, and sense of social responsibility unique to Hawaiʻi that would also be helpful in patient care.”
The Duke Faculty Development Residency Program, the first in the nation accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE), aims to address the national shortage of qualified faculty in DPT education. The program equips participants with the skills and confidence to design and lead their own courses, preparing them for full-time faculty roles.
Meynard Enriquez with two HPU DPT students at the University's lab facilities at Waterfront Plaza.
HPU DPT Director of Student Affairs and Assistant Professor Kayla Black, who completed the two-year Duke Faculty Development Residency Program several years ago, highlighted the structure of the program. “It’s a unique experience because clinicians, even those who complete an academic doctoral degree, often don’t receive any training on how to be a faculty member. This residency program supports the development of the necessary skills and experience to educate the future of our profession.”
Faculty development residents at HPU will immerse themselves in a comprehensive training program covering educational theory, methodology, academic service, scholarship, and governance. Each resident will dedicate at least 30 hours per week to instructional preparation, classroom and laboratory teaching, and student assessment. The impact of the program on participants will help applicants be at the top of the list for full-time faculty positions at universities across the country.
Through its partnership with HPU, Duke will provide the essential infrastructure for the development and growth of new faculty residents accepted into the program. Duke DPT will oversee the orientation, mentoring, and assessment of these residents and collaborate with HPU faculty to deliver comprehensive didactic modules. These modules will cover topics such as classroom management, test writing, academic advising, the structure of higher education, educational assessment, accreditation, and academic service and scholarship.
“The goal of this program is to equip residents with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to design and lead courses, participate in service and administrative duties, and initiate a scholarly agenda to prepare them for the responsibilities of a full-time faculty member,” added Black. “It’s about bridging the gap from expert clinician to effective educator, which is essential for the future of physical therapy education.”
The launch of this residency program marks a significant milestone for HPU and Duke. By blending HPU's hybrid learning model with Duke's faculty development framework, the program addresses evolving needs in physical therapy education. Future residents will benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration, real-world teaching experiences, and opportunities for service and scholarship, fostering their growth as leaders in the field.
For more information on HPU’s DPT program, click here.
