Distinguished Alumnus
Dr. Danielle Burt was involved in a motorcycle accident in 2004 where her right leg was amputated. During her recovery, Dani was inspired to become a physical therapist so that she can help others who are going through a similar experience. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from San Diego State University in 2015 and is currently working at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, CA. She is honored and proud to work for the same hospital she had therapy at as a patient.
Four years after her accident, amputee surfer Alcino “Pirata” Neto inspired Burt to try surfing. She is now a highly-respected U.S. Surf Champion. On June 19, 2016, she was crowned the 2016 U.S. Adaptive Surfing Champion in the adaptive stand division (2). She also competed for TEAM USA in the International Surfing Association’s (ISA) Adaptive World Surfing Championships, where she placed 1st among women and 16th overall in the standing division in 2015. Dani recently competed on December 11, 2016, where she placed 1st for women and 7th in overall.
