Shaping the Future of Physical Therapy 
PCOM Georgia DPT Student Shines at APTA House of Delegates 2026

August 5, 2026

At this year's American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) House of Delegates (HOD) annual meeting, second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student Te’Jayah Jones (DPT '28) had a front-row seat to observe how policies shaping her profession are crafted.

She also had the distinct opportunity to voice her perspectives and advocate for her peers as one of eight DPT students selected from across the nation to serve in the House this year.

“It is an incredible honor and a responsibility I do not take lightly, especially as a young Black woman,” she said. “It represents an opportunity to bring the perspectives of student physical therapists to important conversations that shape our profession.”

Supporting her journey is Teresa Pierce, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS, associate chair of the physical therapy program and associate professor at PCOM Georgia. Dr. Pierce serves as Georgia's Chief Delegate and has attended the HOD as a delegate for five years.

The HOD is APTA’s highest policymaking body in the United States. Member delegates convene annually to establish policies, amend governing documents, and make decisions that shape the future of the physical therapy profession in the US. One of the biggest discussions this year centered around student physical therapists, particularly the financial burden of student loans and the challenges many students face while pursuing a DPT degree.

“Hearing different perspectives underscored how vital it is to advocate for solutions that make the profession more financially accessible without compromising the quality of education,” she said. “As a student, it’s meaningful to be part of the conversations because these issues directly affect our future and the profession.”

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