Honoring DPT Student Michael Robert Cammett Jr.

December 22, 1996 – June 26, 2021

Rutgers School of Health Professions is sad to share the news that Michael Robert Cammett Jr., student of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, passed away at just 24 years old on June 26, 2021. He completed his first year of the program, ready to enter his second year with his fellow classmates of the Class of 2023, many of whom considered him a kind friend and a positive light.

“Michael Cammett was an integral part of the DPT Class of 2023. He was a very quiet, respectful, and collegial part of the program, passionate about his future career in physical therapy. Michael was completely engaged in class and lab activities, learning his craft and looking forward to his first clinical placement. He had just started clinic and had already made his mark in the clinical setting,” said the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Director Nancy Kirsch on behalf of the program.

Outside of his life as a student, Michael was an accomplished athlete in New Jersey who had a passion for wrestling. Nicknamed ‘Golden Boy’, he started training with the Independent Wrestling Federation (IWF) at 17 years old and would go on to win multiple IWF champion titles and coach for children and adult training programs.

“We will miss Michael, but we will never forget him,” said Dr. Kirsch. “We know he was destined to become an excellent physical therapist, and our profession and his future patients will feel his loss. He will always be a part of the Class of 2023, receiving his white coat posthumously with his class.”