Each year the Awards Committee solicits nominations from Neurology Section members to recognize the outstanding contributions of their peers. Congratulations to the following individuals who were recognized at the Combined Sections Meeting in Anahiem, California, February 2016.
Award for Excellence in Neurologic Research: Gammon Earhart, PT, PhD
On the basis of her outstanding contributions to neurologic research through a track record of impactful research, consistent funding, mentoring of scholars, and prolific publications in top-tier journals, Dr Gammon Earhart is this year's recipient of the Neurology Section Award for Excellence in Neurologic Research. She is an influential internationally known movement scientist who impacts many different disciplines, fulfilling numerous roles as a program director, journal reviewer, editor, committee member, and colleague. Dr Earhart has published over 100 publications and given countless national and international presentations. She has procured millions of dollars of grant funding to support her research from agencies including NIH, the Parkinsons Disease Foundation, American Parkinsons Disease Association, Foundation for Physical Therapy, and others. In addition to being a successful rehabilitation researcher, she is a strong advocate for training future movement science researchers through her directorship, her role as the President of the APTA Section on Research and her mentorship of PhD students, fellows, junior faculty, and DPT students.
Award for Clinical Excellence in Neurology: Rachel Tappan, PT, DPT, NCS
Through her exemplary patient care, clinical mentoring, formal teaching role, and research involvement, Dr Rachel Tappan embodies clinical excellence, and is this year's recipient of the Neurology Section's Award for Clinical Excellence in Neurology. She is a knowledgeable, compassionate clinician and an exceptional mentor to others. Her capacity for leadership related to the physical therapy management of patients with neurologic injury is impressive. In addition to her clinical acumen, her research has led to numerous national presentations and peer-reviewed publications that contribute to the advancement of the clinical practice of neurologic physical therapy. Dr Tappan has also made valuable contributions to Neurology Section initiatives that focus on the advancement of evidence-based quality care. As Dr Tappan recently said in a speech, "Our patients come to us at the hardest time of their lives. They trust us with the best care to help them get back on their feet again."
Award for Excellence in Neurologic Education: Evan Cohen, PT, MA, PhD, NCS
Through his commitment to teaching and his profound effect on his students, Dr Evan Cohen personifies Excellence in Neurologic Education. Dr Cohen has demonstrated excellence with a successful and extensive record of clinical teaching, writing, and a long history of mentoring students and professional colleagues. One of current students writes, "... what captivates me and other students in our program is his passion to teach, gravitating interest in research, and his ability to present the information in a way that enables every student to grasp the concepts." On the basis of these and other commendation from colleagues and students, it is clear that Dr Cohen is an exceptional educator who makes a lasting impact on his students. However, what really set Dr Cohen apart from the many impressive nominees for this award is that Dr Cohen is an educator who reaches beyond his university and local community, to educate the PT community at large.
Student Research Awards for Most Exceptional Abstracts Submitted for Presentation at CSM
Post-professional Student award: Franchino Porciuncula, PT, DScPT
Columbia University
Abstract title: Modulation of Gait Speed in Prodromal and Early Manifest
Huntington Disease
Advisor: Ashwini Rao, OTR/L, EdD, FAOTA
Professional Student Award: Allison Amateis, SPT
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Abstract title: Knowledge Translation Considerations for Aerobic Exercise Prescription in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease
Advisor: Wendy Huddleston, PT, PhD
Early Career Professional Awards (5 recipients in 2016) Rachel Tabak Tran, PT, DPT, NCS
Dr Rachel Tran has exhibited a strong commitment to the Neuro Section, and to Neurologic PT, in general. In the 5 years that Dr Tran has been a PT, she has completed a NeuroResidency, passed the Neurologic Clinical Specialty examination, served as adjunct faculty for 4 different PT schools, participated in clinical research, presented at several conferences, and become a neuroresidency mentor. In addition, Dr Tran is active within the Neurology Section as a member of the Nominating Committee, and she serves as a member of the Residency Clinical Performance Instrument Work Group.
Laura Miller McPherson, PT, DPT, PhD
Dr McPherson has since made impressive contributions to the area of neurologic research in a very short amount of time. She earned her PhD in 2014, and has had 6 primary research articles published in peer-reviewed journals ranging from the Journal of Neurophysiology to IEEE journals. In addition, she has presented 23 abstracts at national and international conferences. She is now a new faculty member and demonstrates enormous promise to provide continuing contributions to the field of neurologic PT.
Alison Hays, PT, DPT, NCS
Dr Allison Hays is an active member of the Neuro Section of the APTA and participates in the Vestibular and Brain Injury Special Interest Groups. In addition to her growing role within the Section, Dr Hays is dedicated to advancing clinical research. In 2014, she presented a poster presentation at the Texas Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference and is currently coordinating 2 different multidisciplinary teams to develop research regarding outcomes of Multiple Sclerosis and Concussion Management programs. With her attendance at her first ever Combined Sections Meeting in 2016, her desire is to further her leadership within the Neuro Section and broaden her knowledge of research application and methodologies.
April Fajardo, PT, DPT
In a competitive field of nominees for this award, Dr April Fajardo set herself apart by being exceptionally invested in the Section and the APTA far earlier than many of the other candidates. As a student physical therapist, she served as co-chair of the Student Assembly's Global Health Project Committee and was a member of the Assembly's Minority and International Affairs Committee. She was also appointed to the Neurology Section's Membership and Public Relations Committee. Through these various roles, she has demonstrated her passion for the profession's global vision. Dr Fajardo has already received the Neurology Section's Capitol Hill Award, the Missouri Physical Therapy Association's Outstanding Student Award, and the American Physical Therapy Association's Minority Scholarship Award, just to name a few.
Michele Sulwer, PT, DPT, NCS
Dr. Sulwer has been a steady contributor to our profession as an Early Career Professional. She has served as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board Group for APTA's Perspectives magazine and coauthored a chapter relating to Physical and Occupational Therapy approaches to the treatment of neoplasms. In addition, she served as a clinical mentor and instructor while working on projects to expand evidence utilization within her facility. Furthermore, she recently added Neurologic Clinical Specialist to her already existing certification as a Brain Injury Specialist and Credentialed Clinical Instructor. Dr Sulwer also works with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Junior League of Wilmington to share her expertise with these communities.