At the beginning of March 2014, students of Franklin Pierce University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program received news that Dr. Robert Mark Caulkins is being relieved of his duties as an assistant professor at the Manchester, NH campus.  As alumni of the program, my classmates and I are deeply saddened by this decision for Dr. Caulkins was an irreplaceable asset in our educational and clinical experiences, and for several students, played a significant role in the decision to attend FPU’s DPT program.

With more than fifteen years of experience as an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Caulkins has an invaluable amount of knowledge which he loves to share with his students, especially while teaching courses including Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology, Advanced Imaging and Diagnostics, and Advanced Differential Diagnosis.  Some of us even had the pleasure of being taught Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry by him while attending FPU for undergraduate studies.  Along with his extensive background in the medical field and his passion for teaching, Dr. Caulkins brought a unique perspective to the program which was seen through the excitement he displayed while guiding us through cadaver labs, explaining the purpose and clinical relevance of multiple diagnostic imaging techniques, and challenging us to think outside the box and look at various viewpoints through differential diagnosis.

His passion and commitment to the program was especially seen during the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years, when he was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in both hips, was experiencing constant excruciating pain during all activities, and underwent bilateral hip replacement surgery.  Despite these adversities, he was determined to continue with carrying out his responsibilities as an assistant professor and enriching our educational experiences.  He drove to the school, stood on his feet for long durations and stayed hours after class to help us; and he did all of this with very little complaints.  His actions certainly spoke very loudly not only for his love of teaching, but also for his love of his students.

With utmost respect, we, the alumni of the program, would like to ask Franklin Pierce University, to reconsider your decision to relieve Dr. Robert Mark Caulkins.  Because of the reasons listed above as well as many others, we feel that releasing him would be a great disservice to the Physical Therapy Program at Franklin Pierce University.  His absence and his inherent value as an educator would be a loss to the program and its current as well as its future students.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.