Belmont’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Hosts Health Fair

DPT Students Inspire Next Generation with Interactive Health Education 

In an enriching day of learning and fun, Belmont University's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) class of 2026 recently welcomed 75 fourth-grade students from East Cheatham Elementary School to their annual health fair, a beloved tradition spanning fifteen years. This event, eagerly anticipated by both the University and the community, saw young minds filled with curiosity and eagerness to explore the realms of health and wellness. 

Under the guidance of Dr. Pat Sells, the DPT students prepared educational booklets and orchestrated a series of engaging activities designed to teach crucial, age-appropriate health practices.  

"Our goal is to instill a lifelong love for wellness in these students," shared Sells. "By making learning fun and interactive, we hope to inspire them to embrace healthy habits from an early age." 

The range of topics covered was comprehensive, spanning hygiene, mental health and the benefits of physical activity, providing a well-rounded overview tailored for young learners. The DPT students brought the information to life through interactive games and movement activities, making learning both enjoyable and memorable. 

“Belmont's commitment to community education is remarkable," said East Cheatham Elementary School Principal Keri Coffman. "This year's health fair was better than ever before — absolutely fun-filled and engaging for our students." 

At the end of the event, the children returned to their school armed not only with new knowledge but also with educational booklets and generous donations of helpful supplies, ensuring they could continue their learning journey. One student, brimming with enthusiasm, remarked, "I can't wait to share what I learned with my family and friends!"  

The success of the day was evident from the feedback provided by the elementary students. Their comments ranged from enthusiastic endorsements like "This was one of my top three best field trips ever!" to insightful observations about their learning, such as the importance of disinfecting cuts, the significance of mental health and how gardening can benefit mental well-being.  

Additionally, some students posed deeper questions, including "How does physical therapy help people?", "What is it like to be a student at Belmont?", "What functions does the heart perform?", “Why does everyone look older than 25?" and "Why are there so many stairs?" 

This fun, annual event not only reinforces Belmont's commitment to community engagement and education but also highlights the pivotal role of DPT students in fostering a healthier, well-informed future generation. As these future leaders continue to merge knowledge with action, the community can look forward to more innovative and inspiring events from Belmont’s DPT program.