Paul Ullucci PhD, DPT, ATC

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Dr. Paul A. Ullucci, Jr. (pronounced: YouLouCHI) earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in 1991. While at NU he was awarded the McMillan Scholarship Award for leadership potential by the APTA. In 1993, under the tutelage of Frank George, Russ Fiore, Dave Murray, Joe Castro and Kathy Lequale he became a Certified Athletic Trainer via the internship route. After working in the field of sports medicine for more than 20 years he earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and a PhD in Orthopedic and Sports Sciences from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah. He has continuously worked as a physical therapist and athletic trainer for over 35 years caring for orthopedic and sports related injuries. In 2000, he became a certified strength and conditioning specialist. He was the first Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist in the state of RI and has worked as an athletic trainer at the high school, collegiate, and professional level. Presently, Dr. Ullucci serves as the Founding Program Director for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Ullucci’s academic career includes two years at Fresno State University as director of their Musculoskeletal Care Clinic. Following this Ullucci acted as the Semester 1 Coordinator and Director of the Human Anatomy Laboratory at Sacred Heart University where he also taught in the BS/MS Athletic Training programs. He has been the Founding Program Director at both Bryant University and Johnson & Wales University, where he also served as Associate Dean.

Dr. Ullucci research focuses on musculoskeletal conditions involving the spine and pelvis which may contribute to concussive like symptoms, dizziness and headache. He is also interested in studying how to enhance patient outcomes and recovery with various types of modalities. He is currently investigating the efficacy of providers in Rhode Island ordering imaging. He is also studying patient outcomes s/p THA who have rehab vs no rehab, strength and ROM in pitchers and outcomes in TKA patients based upon tourniquet time.

Dr. Ullucci was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 2023 and received the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association’s President’s Award in 2026. He has served the NATA as Secretary/Treasurer, District 1 Director, D1 representative to the NATAPAC, D1 Treasurer, President of the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association, Sponsorship Chair for the EATA. He currently serves as the CoChair for the APTA’s Educator Leadership Conference, PT Compact finance committee, having served on the RI State Board of Health licensure board for athletic trainers for 18 years and 5 on their physical therapy board.

Sessions by Paul