2026 Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture by Tiffany Adams, PT, DPT, MBA, PhD
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The Physical Therapy Learning Institute (PTLI) is the organizing sponsor of the Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture, and is co-sponsored by the National Association of Black Physical Therapists, the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, the APTA Academy of Education, and the American Physical Therapy Association. The lecture is held annually around Juneteenth. Visit PTLI's LDW Initiatives page for more information on the lecture and other Lynda D. Woodruff initiatives.
2026 Lynda D. Woodruff Lecturer - Tiffany Adams, PT, DPT, PhD, MBA
Director of Leadership and Organizational Culture and an Assistant Professor in the Division of Physical Therapy
Duke University
Tiffany Adams, PT, DPT, PhD, MBA, is the director of leadership and organizational culture and an assistant professor in the Division of Physical Therapy at Duke University. In this role, she leads strategic initiatives to cultivate leadership development, improve culture and climate, and promote equity and inclusive excellence within the division. Before joining Duke in 2021, she spent six years as a faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy at Winston-Salem State University. A board-certified geriatric clinical specialist, Adams has primarily worked with older adults in the outpatient setting. She is also an entrepreneur, owning businesses both within and outside of the physical therapy profession.
Adams earned a Bachelor of Science in education with a concentration in sports medicine from the University of Virginia, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Elon University, and both a Master of Business Administration degree and a PhD in leadership studies from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
At Duke, Adams leads initiatives to strengthen physical therapist education and practice while expanding access and equity. Her work includes developing an interprofessional high school pathway program and leadership development opportunities for DPT and OTD students.
Adams has served the profession for more than 15 years and is guided by her personal mission of "empowering the next generation of problem solvers." Her honors include the Emerging Leader Award from APTA Geriatrics in 2020, designation as an APTA Centennial Scholar by APTA North Carolina in 2021, and selection as a mentor for the APTA Leadership Scholars Program in 2024.
Panelist - Laurel Daniels Abbruzzese, PT, EdD
Associate Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine in the Programs in Physical Therapy
Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University
Laurel Daniels Abbruzzese, PT, EdD, is Professor of Rehabilitation & RegenerativeMedicine (Physical Therapy) at Columbia University Irving MedicalCenter Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She serves as Directorfor Equity and Justice in Curricular Affairs and Director of the PerformingArts Fellowship Program within the Programs in Physical Therapy. Dr. Abbruzzeseis a Distinguished Scholar and Fellow of the National Academies ofPractice and has more than 30 years of clinical experience in physicaltherapy and over 20 years of experience as an educator. Her scholarly andprofessional work focuses on interprofessional education, inclusive andequitable healthcare education, aging and disability, and performing artsphysical therapy.
Panelist - Vernard L. Alsberry, Jr., PTA, MPA
President
Alsberry Consulting, LLC
Vernard L. Alsberry Jr, PTA, MPA, is the president of Alsberry Consulting LLC and former mayor of Hazel Crest, Illinois. He recently concluded a 20-year career in public service with the village, serving eight years as a village trustee and 12 years as village president. Alsberry has owned and operated Alsberry Consulting LLC for the past six years and is a U.S Air Force veteran. He received his physical therapy education at Governors State University.
Panelist - Amber Brown, PT, DPT, WCS
Founder and Owner
Root Physical Therapy and Wellness
Amber Brown, PT, DPT, WCS, is the founder and owner of Root Physical Therapy and Wellness. Brown is a board-certified women's health clinical specialist with a primary focus on pelvic floor dysfunction and Black maternal health. She also serves clients as a birth doula, certified lymphedema therapist, and registered yoga teacher. Brown contributes to academia as a guest lecturer and through ongoing research as she completes her second doctorate.
Course Instructions
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