Feb 24, 2026
- Eight DPT students traveled to Marrakech for a hands‑on neurorehabilitation Learning Abroad program
- Led by Associate Professor Grayson Doar and Assistant Professor Mohammed “Mo” Sbai
- Students participated in clinical care, home health visits, and parent support groups at MAIR
- Program will return in 2026; scholarship deadline is March 1 and final application deadline is April 16
In fall 2025, eight Doctor of Physical Therapy students from the Class of 2026 participated in a learning abroad experience in Marrakech, Morocco, focusing on neurorehabilitation in a global context. Led by Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Associate Professor Grayson Doar, PT, DPT, OCS, and Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapy Assistant Professor Mohammed “Mo” Sbai, PhD, owner of the Moroccan-American Institute for NeuroRehabilitation (MAIR), the cohort spent a week immersed in clinical practice, culture, and community engagement.
MAIR—an outpatient, not‑for‑profit neurorehabilitation clinic founded by The Zahra Charity in Salt Lake City—follows an American model of care and provides individualized treatment for a wide range of neurological conditions, with a focus on pediatrics. The clinic opened in 2015 and quickly became known in local communities due to extensive clinical training its staff received from U.S. medical professionals both in Morocco and Utah.
This year’s Learning Abroad group represented all three DPT pathways: Peter Williamson, Kiah Schulthess, and Riley Dunkley from the Hybrid pathway; Brooklyn Cottle from the St. George residential pathway; and Hannah Motuhifonua, Viviana Olvera, Keslie Van Horn, and Millie Nelson from the Salt Lake City pathway. Alongside faculty leadership, Carrie Hoffmeister, PT, DPT, a Class of 2008 alumna and pediatric physical therapist based in California, provided clinical support and mentorship.
Throughout the week, students engaged in patient care at MAIR, accompanied clinicians on home health visits, and observed parent support groups that highlight family-centered practices and celebration of patient progress. Working directly with Moroccan clinicians, the students saw how providers adapt treatment approaches in low- to middle-resource settings while still delivering compassionate, evidence-based, and highly individualized care.
Students described the experience as both professionally and personally transformative. “Moments like these remind me exactly why I’m here and why I chose the profession I did,” Viviana Olvera said. “These kids healed my heart in ways I didn’t know it needed.”
“I fell in love with the people, the culture, the energy, the food, the laughter, and the constant warmth that greeted us everywhere we went,” added Kiah Schulthess.
Beyond the clinic, the cohort explored Marrakech’s vibrant markets, historic neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks—bonding as future clinicians and global citizens. The Morocco Learning Abroad program will return in 2026, offering another group of students the chance to grow, learn, and serve internationally.
