Jon Umlauf, PT, DPT, DSc, MHPE didn’t take a traditional path to physical therapy. His journey began in 2005 when he commissioned into the U.S. Army as an Environmental Science Officer. While in the military, he witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact physical therapists had on the recovery of wounded Service members. This led him to pursue the Army’s physical therapy training pathway, and he never looked back.
“I’ve done a variety of jobs in the Army; worked with soldiers and athletic populations, traveled with the Secretary of State to over 30 countries as their personal PT, and completed a fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy. Eventually, I entered academia in the military as a faculty member for the Army-Baylor DPT program and the Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Program” Umlauf recalls.
At some point, everyone takes the uniform off. For Umlauf, it was this past year when he retired from the Army and joined The George Washington University (GW) Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program as an Associate Professor, and is excited to not only plant roots but inspire the next generation of civilian physical therapists as well.
His decision to join GW was driven by connection, purpose, and a sense of fit. Umlauf explains, “Three years ago, I was invited to teach a lecture on diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound at the GWU DPT program, and I was exposed to the students and faculty. When a faculty position opened up, it seemed like a perfect fit for my transition to civilian life. My family loves the community here in Washington D.C., the curriculum in the GW DPT program aligned with my strengths, and the meeting and getting to know the students and faculty made it an easy decision.”
Transitioning from military to civilian life is no small feat, but Umlauf has embraced the shift with excitement and humor. “The military usually doesn’t let you stay in a job for longer than three years, so it’s hard to grow and refine your craft. What excites me most about being here is putting roots down, becoming the best educator I can for the students and contributing to the already exceptional culture of the GWU DPT program.,” Of course, some adjustments have been more humorous than profound. “The Army tells you what to wear every day,” Umlauf laughs. “Now I’m standing in front of the closet thinking, ‘What do professors even wear?’ That’s honestly been the hardest part.”
He notes that the transition was made easier by the depth and diversity of GW’s faculty expertise, which creates a rich learning environment for students preparing to care for patients across their lifespan.
Umlauf brings his own expertise to GW DPT, particularly in orthopedics, manual physical therapy and diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound. As an educator, He’s passionate about developing students‘ clinical reasoning skills through deliberate and reflective practice.
Since arriving in February, he’s already taught Introduction to Therapeutic Modalities and Clinical Conference III. He will also be co-teaching Musculoskeletal 1 and 2 alongside Dhinu Jayaseelan, PT, DPT, Ortho. Residency, Assoc. Dir. Student Affairs. He’s excited to bring his musculoskeletal expertise into the classroom.
As an educator, Umlauf’s teaching philosophy has evolved with experience. “It’s about how to make sense of the world, integrate knowledge, and refine skills through deliberate practice. I want students to have strong intellectual character, to be open to new concepts, challenge them, and engage in reflective learning,” he stated. “At the end of the day, it’s all about developing lifelong learners.”
For Umlauf, the most impactful moments are seeing students transform into professionals. “It’s delightful to watch students develop and grow, and down the line, seeing what they become is the most rewarding part,” he shares with pride and a smile.
One particularly joyful moment came when he attended a GW DPT information session and listened to students share their experiences. “I was sitting there thinking, ‘I want to go back to PT school at GW.’ To hear students talk about the program with such joy, that’s always nice to hear.”
Umlauf’s arrival at GW DPT is more than a hire; it’s the addition of a mentor whose journey from the Army to the classroom brings depth, humility, and passion for patient care and education. With his commitment to encouraging reflective practice and his excitement for being rooted in a community that values lifelong learning, Umlauf is set to leave a lasting impact on GW DPT’s students as they prepare to step into their future roles as physical therapists.