• OMPT (Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy), Oakland University
• DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy), Oakland University
• BS in Health Science, Oakland University

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) since 2016
• Michigan Physical Therapy Association (MPTA)
• APTA Sections: Orthopedics and Sports

While completing his doctoral degree, Derek assisted with research that looked at different manual techniques and their effectiveness at treating excessive kyphosis in the elderly population. He currently assists with teaching in Oakland University’s entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program class ​‘Examination and Evaluation I’.

Derek always knew he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field and chose physical therapy because of its holistic approach of using manual therapy and therapeutic exercise to treat pain and dysfunction and the one-on-one interaction to truly get to know the patients. Throughout graduate school, he completed multiple internships in both hospital and outpatient settings and treated patients of all ages and diagnoses. Upon completion of his doctorate degree, Derek received the ​‘Manual Therapy Excellence Award’. Always looking to grow and strengthen as a clinician, Derek continued his education through Oakland University’s Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT) advanced graduate certificate. 

Personal Experiences:

Outside of physical therapy, Derek is passionate about all things fitness and health. He loves weightlifting, snowboarding, and golf and enjoys both the physical and mental challenges that each of these sports bring together.