Tufts DPT-Seattle Program Director on Hybrid Physical Therapy Education

Preparing the next generation of physical therapists requires an educational model that fosters critical thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to patient-centered care. At the Tufts University School of Medicine Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Seattle, faculty are designing learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

In this Q&A, Evan Papa, PT, DPT, PhD, FNAP, associate professor and program director of the Tufts DPT-Seattle program, shares his vision for educating future physical therapists. Drawing on his background in biomechanics research and rehabilitation science, Papa discusses how the program’s hybrid learning model supports hands-on clinical preparation, why mentorship and community are central to the student experience, and how Tufts prepares graduates to lead in modern physical therapy practice.

What inspired your career in physical therapy and DPT education?

"My path into physical therapy started with a fascination for human movement and a desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Early in my career, I realized that my greatest influence would not just come from treating patients, but from educating future clinicians. That realization led me to invest more fully in DPT education, where I could help shape not only competent providers, but thoughtful and adaptable professionals who are prepared to lead and advance the field."

What is your vision for the Tufts DPT-Seattle program?

"My vision is to develop exceptional clinicians who combine strong clinical competence with values of humanism and social responsibility. We aim to graduate providers who are prepared for the future of healthcare, confident in primary care roles, comfortable with technology, and committed to continuous improvement. Our goal is to create a learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and able to live out values like authenticity and integrity in practice."

How does the Tufts hybrid DPT model support student learning and clinical preparation?

"Our hybrid model allows us to be very intentional about how students learn. Foundational knowledge is delivered through high-quality, flexible online experiences. This frees up our in-person lab immersions to focus on what matters most, including hands-on skills and clinical reasoning. This structure mirrors how modern professionals learn and adapt, and it allows students to integrate concepts more deeply and arrive at lab prepared to apply what they know in meaningful ways."

What makes the Tufts DPT student experience in Seattle unique?

"Seattle offers a dynamic teaching environment with strong academic faculty and a culture that values collaboration and belonging. Within that setting, our program stands out because of its close-knit community, even within a hybrid model. Students build strong relationships with faculty and peers during immersive lab experiences. We are very intentional about fostering connection, mentorship, and professional identity development. It is a rigorous program, but also one where students feel known and supported."

How does your research in biomechanics and Parkinson’s disease influence how you teach rehabilitation and movement science?

"My research background keeps me grounded in the reasoning behind what we teach. When we analyze postural control in people with Parkinson’s disease, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of movement dysfunction to make effective clinical decisions. I bring that mindset into the classroom by helping students think beyond protocols and instead focus on principles. They learn how movement is controlled, how it breaks down, and how we can intervene in a meaningful way. This helps students become problem solvers rather than just technicians."

What advantages does distance-based learning offer DPT students today?

"Distance-based learning reflects the reality of modern professional life, where clinicians must be self-directed, adaptable, and comfortable engaging with digital tools. It also provides flexibility, allowing students to stay connected to their communities and support systems while pursuing their education. When done well, it does not reduce quality. It enhances student quality by allowing for more intentional, active, and personalized learning experiences."

What advice would you give prospective students considering the Tufts DPT-Seattle program?

"Be ready to engage fully in your education. This program will challenge you, but it will also support you. Take ownership of your learning, lean into the community, and be open to growth. If you value flexibility and want a rigorous, forward-thinking education with strong clinical preparation, this program can be a great fit."

What has been the most rewarding part of your career in physical therapy education?

"I am most proud of the programs and people I have helped develop. Building a new DPT program from the ground up, one that is values-driven and aligned with the future of the profession, has been incredibly meaningful. More importantly, seeing students grow into confident clinicians and leaders is the most rewarding part of what I do."

Related Links:

Tufts DPT Overview
Applying to Tufts DPT-Seattle
Seattle Campus Location