The following individuals were recognized by the Neurology Section at the Combined Sections Meeting in Las Vegas, NV, February 2009.
Service to the Section Award
Judith Deutsch, PT, PhD
Perhaps a list of 250 ways in which Judy Deutsch, PT, PhD, has contributed to the Neurology Section would be easier to write than to try to encapsulate her service in a 250-word paragraph. During her 12 years of nearly continuous appointed service, Dr. Deutsch has exemplified the essence of this award. One supporter recommending Judy for this award wrote "there is not a single member who would be unable to cite at least a few of Judy's contributions." As a member of the Neurology Section, Dr. Deutsch has served on the Neurology Section's Compendium Committee, Executive Committee, Communications Committee, and Publications Committee. She is a "tireless advocate for individuals with neurological dysfunction and the clinicians who treat them." She has long been a strong activist for best practice for the treatment of neurologic dysfunction. More recently under her leadership as Editor-in-Chief, the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy was elevated to MEDLINE status, retained a commercial publisher, innovative digital media, web-based publishing, and international reach. "It seems no goal is out of reach for her-she thinks big." But what makes Judy most endearing to all of us is her approachable, nonintimidating manner with which she shares her intellectual insights with all those who seek her. Dr. Judy Deutsch's diligent, meticulous, and conscientious service to this section and her big, ever-present smile are what make her most deserved of the Service to the Section Award.
Excellence in Clinical Education Award
Terry Ellis, PT, PhD, NCS
Acknowledged as an outstanding clinician and educator, the nomination of Terry Ellis, PT, PhD came with support of 50 current and former students from Boston University's Physical Therapy Department, colleagues on faculty at Boston University, clinical colleagues, including physical therapists, a nurse, and a neurologist, and one of her patients. Dr. Ellis has received excellent teaching evaluations for more than 10 years. She spends time every week in an area rehabilitation hospital as a clinical resource for practicing clinicians. In that setting, she has mentored clinicians and implemented a unique model whereby selected entry-level DPT students bridge the gap between clinical practice and theory learned in the school setting. Dr. Ellis is an active educator and clinician in the community. She has developed and implemented educational seminars for disease management and wellness programs for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition to her accomplishments as an educator, she is part of an active research team trying to better understand physical intervention for people with PD and is lead author on a randomized clinical trial examining physical intervention for people with PD. As one colleague noted, "no letter could capture her 'spirit,' but meeting her says it all." To quote her students: "She uses not only her knowledge to educate the future of our profession, but also her passion and dedication to fuel those around her to never stop pushing forward." Dr. Ellis has touched the lives of many individuals from many disciplines as an educator, clinician, and researcher and is truly deserving of the Excellence in Clinical Education Award.
Clinical Excellence Award
Diane Nichols, PT, NCS
Diane Nichols is an expert clinician whose long career treating neurologically impaired individuals has spanned the entire spectrum of physical therapy: acute care, outpatient, home care, long-term care, and inpatient rehabilitation. For the past 10 years, Diane has practiced at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC, where she primarily treats patients with stroke and traumatic brain injuries. As a Senior Physical Therapist, Diane serves as a role model, mentor, and clinical instructor for students and conducts clinical research through NRH's Neuroscience Center. Diane's spirit of inquiry and drive for clinical excellence has continuously led her to seek opportunities within herself and others to advance. Evidence of commitment has been achievement of APTA Clinical Instructor certification, certification in lymphadema management, and national recognition as a neurologic clinical specialist through the APTA Board of Clinical Specialties. Diane is highly regarded across many disciplines for her knowledge, application of evidence-based practice, ability to analyze movement, and approaching each of her patients from a holistic perspective. Diane's supervisor has described her as "the most effective, gifted, neurologic physical therapist" with whom she has ever worked. One of Diane's colleagues best captures her practice stating that "she represents our profession in a noble manner, quietly making a difference one patient at a time, one student at a time, one colleague at a time." It is an honor to recognize Diane Nichols for the Clinical Excellence Award.
Student Research Awards
Postprofessional student: Jeanne Lojovich, PT
Cortical Activation Patterns in Neurologically Intact Subjects During an N-Back Working Memory Task: An fMRI Study. Jeanne Lojovich, Mary Rosebrough, Jared Schroeder, Lana Schultz, and James Carey. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Professional student: Lesley Hlad
Nonparetic Leg Muscle Activity Influences Paretic Leg Activity Post-stroke.
Michael Lewek, Rachel Breslin, Lesley Hlad, Alex Lanton, and Jamie St John. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.