Derrick Smith

Detail-oriented Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduate specializing in evidence-based practice and clinical skills. Expertise in manual therapy and sports performance management, committed to improving patient outcomes through tailored treatment plans and comprehensive patient education. Passionate about advancing skills in sports rehabilitation to foster optimal recovery and athletic performance.

• STEADI Older Adult Fall Prevention (2024 - Present)
• OTAGO Falls Prevention Training ( 2024 - Present)
• American Heart Association: Basic Life Support (CPR/AED) (2024 - Present)
• Southern Nevada Health District: Advanced EMT (2021- Present)
• National Association of Emergency Technicians: Prehospital Trauma Life Support (2021 - Present)
• American College of Sports Medicine: Group Exercise Instructor (2020 - 2023)

Champion PT and Performance, Waltham, MA (January 2026 - March 2026)

• Performed manual therapy techniques, such as massage, joint mobilizations and manipulation and soft tissue mobilization.
• Participated in professional development opportunities, including workshops and conferences, to stay current with advancements in physical therapy.
• Monitored patient outcomes following implementation of intervention plan to identify areas needing improvement or further assessment.

Valley Hospital Medical Center, Las Vegas, NV (September 2025 - December 2025)

• Managed a caseload of patients with post-surgical, neurological, and
  cardiovascular conditions, focusing on mobility, safety, and functional
  independence.
• Gained hands-on experience with balance assessments, gait training, and
  discharge planning.
• Received commendation for attention to patient education and
  communication with healthcare staff.

Dignity Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Henderson, NV (July 2025 - September 2025)

• Provided education to families, caregivers, staff and other healthcare professionals regarding physical therapy treatments, safety procedures.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, occupational therapists, and nurses, to optimize patient care plans.
• Facilitated ADLs and assisted patients with functional mobility to increase comfort and quality of life.

Smith Therapy Partners, North Las Vegas, NV (June 2024 - July 2024)

• Identified and properly documented patient goals, evaluated progress and planned reevaluation.
• Consulted with family members and caregivers regarding home exercise programs and safety precautions when necessary.
• Provided therapeutic exercises to improve strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, posture and range of motion.

Graduate Research Project

• Test-Retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change for Various Frontal Plane Projection Angles During Dynamic Tasks in Persons With Patellofemoral Pain, 2025

• Member, American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT) - 2024 - Present
• Member, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) - 2024 - Present
• Member, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) - 2022 - Present

• Attended Dr. Zeina Kohli, PT, DPT “ZKORC's Mission and Healthcare Outcomes for Seniors and People of Color in the Physical Therapy Space” Presentation (06-23-23)
• Attended "Elite Basketball Rehabilitation" Conference (07/08-09/23)
• Attended Dr. Odell Miller, PT, DPT "Building Your Brand" Presentation (08-28-23)
• Attended Dr. Olivia Abdoo, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS "Postgraduate Residencies & Fellowships" Presentation (09-11-23)
• Attended Dr. Dan Pope, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS "Rehab for the Fitness Athlete." Presentation (09-25-2023)
• Attended Dr. Courtney Johnson, PT, DPT "Pelvic Floor and Sport." Presentation (10-30-23)
• Attended Dr. Kira Markus, PT, DPT "Considerations for the BJJ Athlete." Presentation (11-07-23)
• Attended Dr. John MacDonald, PT, DPT "Handheld Dynamometry (HHD)" Lab (11-13-23)
• Attended UNLV Performance Team Panel "Collaborating Across the Team" Discussion (11-20-23)
• Attended "Empowering Health: The Vital Role of Physical Therapists in Combating the Non-Communicable Disease" Distinguished Lecture (Fall 2024)
• Attended "Fit for Life" Evidence Based Functional Tests for Aging Adults Across Five Fitness Domains" Distinguished Lecture (Fall 2024)
• Attended Interprofessional Education Workshop (Fall 2024)
• Attended Athletic and Kinesio Taping Lab (Fall 2024)
• Attended Building Your Brand Lab (Fall 2024)
• Attended "How to Work for a Professional Sports Team" Distinguished Lecture (Fall 2024)
• Attended Dr. Valencia "Filipino Physical Therapy" Distinguished Lecture (Fall 2024)
• Attended Dr. Lee Applequist "Sports PT Discussion" Distinguished Lecture (Fall 2024)

• UNVL Balance and Memory Screening Volunteer (Fall 2024)
• Move United Wheelchair Football Event Volunteer (Fall 2024)
• Encompass Health AHA Heart Walk Volunteer (Fall 2024)
• Project Hero Honor Bike Ride Event Volunteer (Fall 2024)
• Las Vegas Chapter of National AMBUCS Spring Bike Giveaway Event Volunteer (Fall 2024)
• Tony Cress Training Center "Rock Steady Boxing" Volunteer (Fall 2023)