Chair, Department of Physical Therapy

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Health Professions has selected Ben Darter, PT, PhD as the next Chair of Physical Therapy. 

Dr. Darter brings a wealth of strategic insight and expertise to his new role, having served as the Interim Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy since October 2022. With nearly 12 years of experience as part of the PT program at VCU, he possesses an in-depth understanding of the program and its faculty.

As an accomplished and highly productive researcher, Dr. Darter holds the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at VCU. Additionally, he serves as a Research Physical Therapist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System (Richmond VA Medical Center). His primary research and clinical interests revolve around rehabilitation following extremity amputation and optimization of gait performance. Dr. Darter's research is supported by grants from Department of Defense (DoD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Veterans Administration (VA), and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).

In addition to his research endeavors, Dr. Darter teaches courses in orthotics and prosthetics, as well as applied exercise physiology in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. His expertise is also recognized in his role as an Associate Editor for Prosthetics and Orthotics International, as well as a scientific content reviewer for multiple journals and funding agencies.

Dr. Darter earned his Bachelor of Science in Clinical Science and Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College. He furthered his education at The University of Iowa, where he obtained his PhD in Physical Rehabilitation Science. In 2018, he also earned a Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Jamie Sands led this search with Katie White, Ibaad Nazeer, and Lily Sethares.