The School of Physical Therapy recently honored alumnus John DeWitt (’01) with its Outstanding Alumnus Award.  (DeWitt is on the left of the photo receiving award from Associate Dean, Dr. John Halle.)

“I am thrilled and humbled by this honor and to be the inaugural recipient,” he said, upon receiving the award at the School’s hooding ceremony. “It is always nice to be appreciated not only by your peers but also your mentors.”

DeWitt, who earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Belmont, serves as team leader for clinical development, clinical assistant professor and director of physical therapy residencies at The Ohio State University.

Speaking to the summer 2012 class, DeWitt urged them to live out of their comfort zones by continually challenging themselves to drive growth in their personal lives and careers.

“Find fire in your gut that makes you do more for yourself, more for your family, more for your profession and more for your patients. See people as people and not as a person with disabilities,” he said. “Tell people that you want help, you want to learn and do more. Amateurs train until they can get it right, but professionals train until they cannot get it wrong.”

Prior to enrolling at Belmont University, DeWitt was an athletic training with the New England Patriots.

“I knew someone in the first class, and when I came to visit, I was impressed with vision, facilities and exceptional quality of the instructors,” he said.  DeWitt went on to become the 2008 Ohio Physical Therapist of the Year and earn a 2009 New Horizon Award from the American Association of Physical Therapy.