Rizing Tide Team – Rizing Tide

Pressure and Possibility in PT: Reflections from the 2026 Graham Sessions

By Rizing Tide Team | March 5, 2026

A black-and-white photo of four scholars is overlaid on a background of teal and white ocean waves. The text reads, "Reflections from the 2026 Graham Sessions."

What happens when early-career DPTs are invited into a room with seasoned industry leaders to talk openly and honestly about the challenges facing the physical therapy profession? You get candor. You get conviction. And you get a renewed sense that the future of the profession depends on what each of us as individuals are willing…

Press Release: Rizing Tide Foundation Reports 2025 Growth and New Programs Supporting DPT Students

By Rizing Tide Team | January 26, 2026

Foundation highlights growth in sponsorships, scholar recognition, and expanded mentorship and professional development initiatives (PHOENIX – Jan. 26, 2026) – Rizing Tide, a foundation dedicated to expanding access to physical therapy by creating a more inclusive workforce through scholarships and professional development, shared today reflections on its growth in 2025. This update highlights strong industry…

Advancing Men’s Pelvic Health: Expert Perspectives on the Growing Need for Specialized PTs

By Rizing Tide Team | November 11, 2025

Dr. Di Wu, who is wearing a suit jacket and a button up shirt, and Zhen Chen, who is wearing a blue button up shirt, stand in front of a navy blue and terracotta-colored background. A title reads "Let's talk about men's pelvic health."

Men’s pelvic health is a deeply under-explored area of physical therapy. While DPT programs may set aside some time to cover women’s pelvic health, the curriculum often overlooks how conditions present in men—such as with urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pelvic pain. As a result, many men struggle with health challenges that go untreated—despite…

Survival Skills for the New Era of PT: Reflections from the 2025 Graham Sessions

By Rizing Tide Team | March 6, 2025

Illustration of a Black woman in an orange shirt sitting at a desk that's surrounded by plants. She's looking at a book and a laptop and holding a pen, as if preparing to write.

What do you get when you bring together some of the brightest minds in physical therapy to discuss the new era of the profession? You get some whip-smart dialogue—and even better ideas. The 2025 Graham Sessions endeavored to do just this; innovative PTs gathered together in Colorado Springs to hold open, honest conversations about the…

Valerie Rucker-Bussie Joins Rizing Tide as Community Development Officer

By Rizing Tide Team | January 13, 2025

Rizing Tide is excited to welcome Valerie Rucker-Bussie, PT, DPT, NCS, as its new Community Development Officer. A seasoned physical therapist with a strong focus on workforce development, Valerie brings extensive experience to the table—alongside a fiery passion for improving lives. We recently sat down with Valerie to learn more about her journey, her vision…

From Entrepreneur to PT Advocate: Meet Rizing Tide Scholar Li Chen

By Rizing Tide Team | November 18, 2024

Li Chen smiling slightly while on a virtual phone call. Next to her, green text reads "Rizing Tide, Li Chen, 2023 Crest Scholar."

This is the fourth installment of the 2023 Rizing Tide Lighthouse Series: a series of blogs and video interviews that spotlight our exceptional scholars. Stay tuned for the next installment! Li Chen’s hard work and dedication have taken her far in life—ultimately helping her excel in Duke University’s doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program. As…

Championing Community and Care: Meet Rizing Tide Scholar Emmanuel Noye

By Rizing Tide Team | August 29, 2024

Emmanuel Noye smiling while on a virtual phone call. Next to him, green text reads "Rizing Tide, Emmanuel Noye, 2023 Crest Scholar."

This is the third installment of the 2023 Rizing Tide Lighthouse Series: a series of blogs and video interviews that spotlight our exceptional scholars. Stay tuned for the next installment! In the bustling halls of North Central College, Emmanuel Noye, affectionately known as Manny, stands out not just because of his warm smile and affable…

Inspired by Experience, Driven by Purpose: Meet Rizing Tide Scholar Faith Blanchard-Ludanga

By Rizing Tide Team | July 24, 2024

Faith Blanchard-Ludanga, smiling while on a virtual phone call. Next to her, green text reads "Rizing Tide, Faith Blanchard-Ludanga, 2023 Crest Scholar."

This is the second installment of the 2023 Rizing Tide Lighthouse Series: a series of blogs and video interviews that spotlight our exceptional scholars. Stay tuned for the next installment! Faith Blanchard-Ludanga, a dedicated student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, is on a mission to bring healing and hope to her community…

Inspired by Family, Driven to Dream: Meet Rizing Tide Scholar Darwin Sandoval

By Rizing Tide Team | June 14, 2024

Darwin Sandoval, smiling while on a virtual phone call. Next to him, green text reads "Rizing Tide, Darwin Sandoval, 2023 Crest Scholar."

This is the first installment of the 2023 Rizing Tide Lighthouse Series: a series of blogs and video interviews that spotlight our exceptional scholars from Fleet III. Stay tuned for the next installment! For Darwin Sandoval, obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree means absolutely everything. A dedicated student at Saint Joseph’s University, Darwin…

How to Prepare for Physical Therapy School

By Rizing Tide Team | April 8, 2024

Illustration of a person standing at a fork in the road. Each road leads to a school house, but each path is dotted with hazards and pitfalls.

Journeying toward a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree is an incredibly rewarding pursuit. DPTs change their patients’ lives each and every day, offering support and a helping hand to many people who are experiencing life lows. But the DPT journey itself is far from effortless. From crafting a perfect application to surmounting serious financial…