August 14, 2026 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu

“All I ever wanted was to be a Gamecock,” says David James, who graduates this month with his second USC degree.

Growing up just an hour North of Columbia, the Lancaster native was always involved in athletics until he injured his back while wrestling during his senior year in high school. His recovery introduced him to physical therapy and a career path he’d never considered before.

“What began as an unfortunate circumstance ended up changing my life and pointing me towards my life’s work,” James says.

As an undergrad at USC, he studied exercise science at the Arnold School – building the academic foundation he would need to apply to physical therapy school while also shadowing clinicians in local practices. Columbia had already become his home away from home, so choosing to enroll in his department’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program was an easy decision.

James found mentors across the DPT program, which is known for its small class sizes and close-knit environment. He says that faculty like clinical assistant professor Mandy Ward brought energy and enthusiasm into the classroom – making the materials exciting and demonstrating that treating patients can be both fun and impactful.  

James’ clinical rotations gave him experience in hospital, rehabilitation and private practice settings. One of them – Vertex PT Specialists – offered him a position following his graduation. Founded by USC DPT alumni Brandon Vaughn and Josh Jeffrey in 2016, Vertex has locations in Columbia, Cayce and Irmo. They also offer services through a Home Health Division, which is where James will begin his career by serving his hometown.

“There is something special about the relationship between provider and patient when you are invited into that patient’s home,” he says. “The dynamic in that situation is different than any other situation, and that brings a certain closeness between the provider and the patient that other PTs don’t necessarily have.”

After three years in the program, James has learned that physical therapists can take different paths and adopt different styles. He feels prepared not only to be an effective clinician but a creative one as well.

“This program taught me that there isn’t a cookie cutter way to do this job,” James says. “I can enjoy myself, make jokes, and have a good time while still providing the best possible care to a patient.”

Though he’s heading to a welcoming, familiar place, the lifelong Gamecock will never forget his seven years at USC. James will particularly miss the numerous sporting events, including sitting in the first few rows of Williams Brice Stadium, where he witnessed a series of amazing moments he calls a dream come true.

“I have built strong, lasting relationships in this town, including meeting my best friends in the world and my girlfriend,” James adds. “If that weren’t good enough, my favorite restaurant on this planet resides right on Bluff Road. Bernie’s Chicken was my go-to place to eat after any big exam or life event. Whether it was graduation or finishing a dissection exam, I was going to Bernie’s Chicken to celebrate.”

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