Dr. Julie Moyer-Knowles graduated from the University of Delaware Physical Therapy Program in 1982.  While attending the U of D, she also was enrolled in the university’s athletic training program.  A couple of months after graduation, she moved to Alabama and pursued a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine, followed by a doctorate in vocational rehabilitation from Temple University.

 After U of D, Julie worked in acute care hospitals, outpatient sports medicine clinics, and at high schools and colleges performing physical therapy and athletic training services as part of her graduate assistantship.   Since 1984, Julie has been involved with the United States Olympic Committee.  Her roles have included being on the US Olympic Committee’s Sports Medicine Committee and the Medical Staff for the Olympic Games starting in 1988 in Seoul, Korea.  In 1990, she opened Pike Creek Physical Therapy in Wilmington, which now includes four Southern Delaware Physical Therapy sites from Smyrna to Rehoboth Beach.  

 Since graduating from the University of Delaware, Julie continues to use the UD PT program and its staff as an invaluable resource.   She comments, “Just last month I contacted Lynn Snyder-Mackler for her opinion on a 9-year-old with a complete ACL rupture.   Also, last month I worked with Stacie Larkin , both of us in a community volunteer capacity performing scoliosis screenings.   I have also recently talked with Joe Lucca and Tara Manal regarding licensure issues. Seems like someone from U of D PT Program is always involved with APTA and State Examining Board, and willing to help you!”

 In turn, Julie serves as a valuable resource to the UD PT department.  She offers her expertise teaching DPT students in courses including Cardiopulmonary Physiology and Clinical Management and Administration.  She also helped supervise students volunteering at this year’s MS Society Bike to the Bay.   The involvement of alumni in the DPT program truly enhances the education offered to UDPT students by presenting a wide variety of points of view and expert advice.

 In terms of her involvement with the whole University, Julie currently serves as President of the University of Delaware Alumni Association.  The purpose of this association is to help service U of D alumni and promote the goals of the institution.  They have developed a scholarship program for incoming freshman, enrichment awards for students (of which some PT students have benefited), professorships, various alumni awards throughout the university,  insurance programs for alumni, travel opportunities, and many other enjoyable projects.   The Alumni Association is now in the process of supporting the Center for the Arts, a beautiful new construction project being erected near the Amy Dupont Music building which will promote  music , theater, and the arts.   In addition to the Alumni Board at U of D, Julie is also involved with the Athletic Department’s Steering Committee, and the Gender/Racial Equity Committee. 

  Julie feels very fortunate to have graduated from the University of Delaware.  She recalls that the UD Physical Therapy program was always looked at as one of the best in the country.  In 2000, US News and World Report ranked it as one of the top 10 PT programs.  US News also ranked U of D as one of the “Top 20 Bargains.”  Julie notes that the quality of the PT program and University as a whole is constantly improving.  Today, the average SAT score entering the University is 1167, with about 38% of applicants getting accepted.   The PT program that was an undergraduate degree when Julie graduated, now culminates in a doctorate in physical therapy.  UD continues to attract qualified applicants to it’s exceptional PT program.

 Julie relays her pride in the UDPT program: “Over the past 20 years, remarkable changes have occurred with the PT Program. The program has a well respected and published staff that not only helps the local medical community, but also supports our international PT community.  I feel very fortunate and proud to be associated with such a fine institution and program!”