Academy Honors & Awards

The Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy Adopt-A-Doc program seeks to recognize outstanding doctoral students committed to geriatric physical therapy. The purpose of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy Adopt-A-Doc program is to provide support to doctoral students interested in pursuing faculty positions in physical therapy education. The Adopt-A-Doc program is to facilitate the completion of the doctoral degree within an area of study relevant to geriatric physical therapy. Adopt-A-Doc award is to be given yearly. It will include:

• Resource person (mentor) from the Board of Directors.
• Up to $2000.00 award to offset tuition or doctoral research costs. (Check mailed after the CSM meeting.)
• A plaque presentation to awardee.
• The individual (awardee) must submit a progress report at the end of the fiscal year (December 31). Progress report to include research progress and budget expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

• The individual must be a member of APTA and a member of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.
• The individual must be enrolled in a post-professional doctoral degree program and have successfully completed one semester (or quarter) of that program.
• The individual must have teaching experience relevant to the academic physical therapy setting in a part-time or full-time capacity.
• The individual must demonstrate a commitment to assuming the role of teaching and or research related to gerontology/geriatric physical therapy education following the completion of the doctoral degree.
• Current members of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy Board of Directors, Awards Committee, Education Committee, or Research Committee members are not eligible.
• Individuals not selected in previous years may reapply in any subsequent year by the completion and submission of a current application form and current supporting documents.
• Individuals can receive up to a maximum of $2,000.00 from the Adopt-A-Doc Program.
• Individuals may apply for support again by submitting a new application, including information about progress in the doctoral program.
• Recipients must submit for publication in an aging journal (including the JGPT) or as a CSM presentation within a year after completion of the research.

Application Procedure

• Obtain application form/information from:

Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
3510 East Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
Fax: 608/221-9697
E-mail: geriatrics@geriatricspt.org
OR Printable Web Page Application

• Assemble the complete application information in order, as noted below. Submit to:

Karen.curran@geriatricspt.org or Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
3510 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Fax: 608/221-9697

• Applications must be received no later than November 15.

Application Information

• Completed application form.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Verification of enrollment in a post-professional doctoral degree program. Verification includes a brief letter from Director of Graduate Studies, a brief letter from registrar, or an official current transcript.
• Personal statement of (a) professional goals; (b) description of how your career and doctoral studies will prepare you to successfully reach your professional goals; and (c) progress toward doctoral degree. This statement should be no more than 5 pages, double-spaced with a minimum of 1-inch margins and 12-point font.
• Two letters of recommendation (Current members of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy Research Committee or Awards Committee members shall not nominate, write letters of support, or endorse individuals for award).
• Description of teaching experience.
• Description of doctoral program.
• No more than 5 abstracts of presentations, publications, or pending submissions.

Procedures for Review

The Research Committee of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy will review the nominations and select recipients. Notification of the Award

• Individuals will receive notification of the receipt of their application packet. If the packet is incomplete, the individual will be contacted.
• The recipient of the award will be notified by early January after selection.
• Individuals not selected will receive a letter thanking them for their application and encouraging resubmission of materials.
• The award will be presented at the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy Business Meeting at the Combined Sections Meeting in February of each year. The scholarship and plaque will be awarded at this meeting.
• An appropriate announcement of the award will appear in GeriNotes and/or any other official publication of the Association.

The individual nominated must be a physical therapist who has been the author (or coauthor) of a paper dealing with clinical geriatric physical therapy research. This paper must have been published in a recognized journal (e.g.: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy, Journal of American Geriatric Society, Journal of Gerontology, etc.) in the past two years. The Research Committee will evaluate nominated papers based upon clarity of writing, applicability of content to clinical geriatric physical therapy, relevance of results, and potential impact on both physical therapy and other disciplines. If several physical therapists are coauthors, the first named will be the individual who is eligible for the award. To make a nomination, send a cover letter and one copy of the
nominated author's paper (with complete reference citation) to:

E-mail: karen.curran@geriatricspt.org
or
Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
3510 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Fax: 608/221-9697

Deadline for receipt of nominations is November 15.

This Fellowship is intended to provide partial financial support to physical therapists pursuing research in geriatrics. The research may be conducted as part of either a formal post-entry level academic program or a mentorship with an established investigator.

The Award:

A single award of up to $1000 and a plaque will be announced annually at the Awards Ceremony following the Business Meeting during the APTA Combined Sections Meeting, usually held in February each year. The check will be mailed after CSM.
Selection Process:

• The Fellowship applicant must be a physical therapist who is a current member of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.
• The applicant will provide the following:

1. a brief biographical sketch (not to exceed two pages). Graduate students should include a summary of their plan of study.
2. a written summary of proposed research activity.
3. a research-related budget for the time period covered by the Fellowship. This budget may include travel, living expenses, tuition, etc. Expenses associated with attendance of conferences or continuing education programs will not be allowed.
• A letter of support may be submitted by the applicant's academic advisor or research mentor/collaborator.
• All materials from 1 & 2 above will be submitted together and must be received by the deadline of November 15 to:


Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
3510 East Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
Fax: 608/221-9697
E-mail: karen.curran@geriatricspt.org

• Any AGPT member will only be eligible for one Fellowship award during their career as a physical therapist.
• Final selection will be made by the Research Committee of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.

To recognize a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant for outstanding work as a clinical educator in the geriatric health care setting.

Rationale:

A student's experience in the clinical setting during short and long term affiliations has a significant and profound impact on the student's perception of clinical practice and desire to work in that setting in the future. A Clinical Instructor (CI) can be the one individual most responsible for creating a meaningful and valued affiliation experience for the individual student. To be effective in this role, the CI must be an advocate for rehabilitation of the older adult as well as a successful educator. To accomplish the latter, the CI must be as committed to knowing the student and his/her learning objectives as the CI is to knowing patient's treatment objectives. The CI must also demonstrate creativity in designing the affiliation experiences; willingness to learn with the student; openness to giving and receiving constructive criticism; and knowledge of the developments in adult education and care of the older adult.

Criteria:

To be eligible for this award, the nominee must:

1. Be a current member of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy;
2. Be an advocate for student programs and opportunities for students to complete a fulfilling educational experience;
3. Be an advocate for older adults and a role model for excellence in physical therapy practice;
4. Have been involved in geriatric clinical practice settings for a minimum of 5 years;
5. Demonstrate innovation and leadership in clinical education and outstanding quality of care in multidisciplinary teamwork.

Nomination Process:

Any current member of the American Physical Therapy Association may nominate a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who meets the award criteria. Nomination packets should include:

1. One letter of nomination, addressed to the Awards Committee, describing how the nominee meets the criteria;
2. One (1) letter from a former student and no more than three (3) letters from additional students and/or colleagues, describing how the nominee has demonstrated the criteria;
3. A copy of the nominee's current resume or CV.

Complete nomination packets must be received by the Awards Committee by November 15.

Selection Process:

Nominations will be reviewed by at least three members of the Awards Committee.

Presentation:

The award will be presented following the Business Meeting during APTA Combined Sections Meeting, usually held in February of each year. The award will consist of a plaque. Forward nominations to:

E-mail: karen.curran@geriatricspt.org

Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
3510 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Fax: 608/221-9697

To recognize an Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy member for excellence in teaching.

Rationale:

Teaching geriatric physical therapy in an academic program can be a very challenging as this patient population presents multiple problems and complications; it may be difficult to get students engaged in the content. As a result any attempt to make content relative to geriatrics engaging, dynamic, and interesting benefits the Academy, the profession, and our society, as our society is an aging society. By offering this award the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy places value on those individuals who excel in presenting content on geriatrics in an engaging and dynamic manner.

Criteria:

To be eligible for this award, the nominee must:

1. Be a current member of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy;
2. Have distinguished himself or herself through excellence in academic education in physical therapy;
3. Have distinguished himself or herself in a subject matter as evidenced by publications or other appropriate demonstrations;
4. Have extended physical therapy education by the development of innovative teaching methods or materials.

Nomination Process:

Any current member of the American Physical Therapy Association may nominate a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who meets the award criteria. Nomination packets should include:

1. One letter of nomination, addressed to the Awards Committee, describing how the nominee meets the criteria;
2. One (1) letter from a former student and no more than three (3) letters from additional students and/or colleagues, describing how the nominee has demonstrated the criteria;
3. A copy of the nominee's current resume or CV.

Complete nomination packets must be received by November 15.

Selection Process:

Nominations will be reviewed by at least three members of the Awards Committee.

Presentation:

The award will be presented following the Business Meeting during APTA Combined Sections Meeting, usually held in February of each year. The award will consist of a plaque. Forward nominations to:

E-mail: karen.curran@geriatricspt.org

or Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
3510 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Fax: 608/221-9697

To recognize an Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy member who has given outstanding service to the Academy.

Rationale:

This award was established in 1980 in honor of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy' first President, Joan M. Mills. As the Academy's first president, Joan Mills had the vision, determination, and dedication to unite physical therapists caring for geriatric patients in their commitment to excellence in the delivery of physical therapy to older adults. Her years of leadership and participation led to the growth and development of the Academy and of new leaders in continuing to promote the mission of the Academy. Sadly, we lost Joan in 2015. The intent of this award is to recognize a member who has followed in Joan Mills' footsteps, generously contributing his/her time, talents, and efforts to the development of the Academy.

Criteria:

To be eligible for this award the nominee must:

1. Be a current member of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
2. Have actively participated in Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy activities, given generously and willingly of time and effort for a minimum of three years.
3. Have been engaged in the field of gerontology/geriatrics for a minimum of five years.
4. Have served as a committee member, committee chair, member of the Geriatric Specialty Council, or voting member of the Board of Directors of the Academy.
5. Have demonstrated valuable service to the Academy through areas of leadership, personal influence, achievement, or frequent and sustained work toward the development of the Academy

Nomination Process:

A current member of the Academy must nominate the individual. Nominations should include:

1. A letter of nomination, addressed to the Awards Committee, describing how and why the nominee meets the criteria
2. A copy of the nominee's current resume or CV.

Nominations must be received by November 15 of each year.

Selection Process:

Nominations will be reviewed and selected by the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy President in collaboration with previous Joan M. Mills Award winners. This award may or may not be presented annually, at the discretion of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Presentation:

The award will be presented following the Business Meeting during APTA Combined Sections Meeting, usually held in February of each year. The award will consist of an award, an Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy watch and a $200. Mail nominations to:

Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
3510 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Or karen.curran@geriatricspt.org

To recognize a physical therapist assistant for outstanding practice in a geriatric health care setting(s).

Rationale:

The physical therapist assistant plays a vital role in the geriatric setting. Working under the supervision of a physical therapist, the outstanding physical therapist assistant has a positive impact on the attitude of others through exemplary care of the geriatric patient. The intent of this award is to recognize a physical therapist assistant who displays these skills and is a role model for others in geriatric practice.

Criteria:

To be eligible for this award, the nominee must:

1. Be a current PTA member of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
2. Be an advocate for older adults and a role model for excellence in physical therapy treatment of older adults
3. Have been involved in geriatric clinical practice settings for a minimum of five years
4. Demonstrate exemplary care and innovative teamwork in meeting the physical therapy needs of older adults.

Nomination Process:

Any current member of the American Physical Therapy Association may nominate a physical therapist assistant who meets the award criteria. Nomination packets should include:

1. One letter of nomination, addressed to the Awards Committee, describing how the nominee meets the criteria
2. Up to four letters of support for the nominee, describing how the nominee has demonstrated the criteria
3. A copy of the nominee's current resume or CV.

The Awards Committee must receive complete nomination packets by November 15.

Selection Process:

Nominations will be reviewed by at least three members of the Awards Committee.

Presentation:

The award will be presented following the Business Meeting during APTA Combined Sections Meeting, usually held in February of each year. It shall consist of a plaque. Forward nominations to:

Karen.curran@geriatricspt.org or
Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
3510 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704

Fax 608/221-9697

To recognize the exceptional contribution of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in community service which benefits older adults.

Rationale:

The commitment of many physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to older persons extends far beyond the traditional professional roles in hospital, private practice, long term care, or home care settings. The intent of this award is to highlight the significant contributions in giving service to older adults or those who serve older adults on a volunteer basis outside of typical work related obligations.

Criteria:

To be eligible for this award the nominee should:

1. be a current member of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
2. be or have been an active participation in the development and/or implementation of a project that serves(ed) the need or needs of an elderly person, group of elderly people or facilitates others to better meet the needs of this population
3. demonstrate consistency of commitment in both time and effort
4. carry out actions on a volunteer basis, i.e., involvement beyond usual work related requirements, that ultimately are beneficial to individuals who are elderly

Nomination Process:

1. A narrative letter from the AGPT member applicant if self-nominated or from a member of the Academy who is knowledgeable about the endeavor. The nominee and/or nominator should check to assure that the above criteria are met. The letter of nomination should be built upon the criteria and adequately describe the need that was met and the contribution made by the nominee.
2. At least two additional letters of support are required from those who know of the endeavor, e.g., other AGPT members, beneficiary(ies) of the endeavor, or other knowledgeable individuals such family members or representative(s) of an organization which sponsors programs that meet needs of elderly individuals. These letters should describe the unique perspective of each writer regarding how the endeavor fulfilled a need of an elderly person or group of elderly people as well as the contribution(s) made by the person being nominated.
3. If the endeavor is a formally organized and/or previously recognized program supplemental materials should be included. Example materials are: brochure, newspaper article, electronic announcements, flyers, handouts, program assessment, etc. should be submitted in addition to the appropriate letter(s) noted above.

Nominations are due by November 15.

Nominations will be reviewed by at least three members of the Awards Committee.

Presentation:

The award will be presented following the Business Meeting during APTA Combined Sections Meeting, usually held in February of each year. It shall consist of a plaque. Forward nominations to:

Forward nominations to:

E-mail: karen.curran@geriatricspt.org
or

Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
3510 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Fax: 608/221-9697

Grant monies will be awarded on a "first come, first serve" basis, with an annual grant cycle of January 1st to December 31st. Grant applicants must be an Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy (AGPT) member.

The Academy will award a total grant amount of $8625.00 to fund up to 3 grants of $2875 each to fund a significant portion of the Candidacy fees for a Geriatric Residency or Geriatric Fellowship Program Application per funded year. Recently the fees for candidacy have increased to reflect the cost for accreditation site visits, and are now paid in advance. Applicants are limited to one application (i.e., applications that do not meet American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education [ABPTRFE] accreditation requirements or withdraw from the ABPTRFE accreditation process voluntarily, are not eligible for future funding on the same program).

Application Process

In order for a geriatric physical therapy residency or fellowship program to be considered for an accreditation application grant, it first must have applied for and obtained Candidate status by the ABPTRFE. (See website for details regarding the application process).

The geriatric residency or fellowship program will submit the grant application to the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy Executive Office within 45 days after successfully achieving Candidacy status by ABPTRFE. A copy of the letter awarding candidacy status to the program should be attached to the application.

The Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy Executive Office will confirm the program's candidacy status and will send the geriatric residency or fellowship program $2,875 (based on fund availability). This will occur for the first three (3) qualified programs to apply each calendar year.

GRANT APPICATION DEADLINE: December 31st annually, or until funds have been exhausted for the year.

Grant Application Form

This award is intended to facilitate interest in geriatric research among entry-level physical therapy students. The award recognizes outstanding research-related activity completed by entry-level physical therapy students.

The Award:

Multiple awards of $100 (up to a total of $500 annually) and plaques will be presented at the Awards Ceremony following the Academy Business Meeting during the APTA Combined Sections Meeting, usually held in February of each year.

Selection Process:

1. A member of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy must nominate the entry- level student. The nominator will submit a letter of support which addresses the extent of the student's involvement in the research process (during a period not to exceed more than one year of graduation from an entry-level program).
2. The nominated student will provide:
1. a brief biographical sketch (not to exceed two pages).
2. a written summary of research-related activity.
3. published evidence of the activity (e.g.: a copy of the published abstract or paper).
3. All materials from 1 & 2 above will be submitted together and must be received by the deadline of November 15.
4. A student will only be eligible for one of these awards. No more than one student may be nominated for a given research-related activity or project.
5. Final selection of recipients will be made by the Research Committee of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.

Submit materials to:

E-mail: karen.curran@geriatricspt.org or

Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
3510 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Fax: 608/221-9697

Purpose:

• To provide the means for two students of physical therapy the opportunity to engage in advocacy efforts of the profession at a national level with the intention that this exposure will engage students in similar efforts after graduation.
• To promote the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy and encourage active engagement in the Academy activities as a student and new graduate.

Eligibility:

• Any student enrolled in a DPT or PTA program at the time of the application may be nominated.
• Students must have completed at least two semesters of the physical therapy program.
• The nominee must be members of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.

Criteria for Selection:

• Candidates must be in good standing within the academic program.
• Candidates must have an understanding of the APTA's national legislative and regulatory efforts that impact the physical therapy profession.
• The student must have experience in advocacy efforts and professional involvement at the chapter level that can demonstrate a contribution to the physical therapy profession.

Procedure for Nomination:

• All nominations must be submitted to the Academy office by February 15 and include:
  • A nomination letter from a member of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy that indicates why the student is an ideal candidate for the award
  • One letter of recommendation from a professor or instructor who is knowledgeable of the nominee's academic performance
  • A resume or CV that includes any prior legislative advocacy efforts and professional involvement AND APTA number
  • An essay of no more than 250 words addressing a national legislative or regulatory issue most concerning to you, and why.

Procedure for Review:

• Each nomination should be submitted electronically to the Academy office at karen.curran@geriatricspt.org
• The office will distribute the nomination packets to the Awards Committee.
• The Awards committee will review the nomination packets and recommend the most qualified candidates to the Federal Affairs Liaison /Committee for selection.
• The Award will only be presented if there are qualified candidates.
• Nomination materials are considered property of the Awards Committee, who will maintain their confidentiality.
• If any nominee is not selected for the award in a given year, that individual may be nominated in a subsequent year. New nomination materials must be submitted in subsequent years.

Selection Process:

• Nominations will be reviewed by at least 3 members of the Awards Committee. The Chair of the Committee will present the Committee's recommendation to the Academy Board of Directors for approval.

Presentation:

• The award will be presented following the Business Meeting during APTA Combined Sections Meeting, usually held in February of each year.

Award and Notification:

• The award consists of a certificate, registration for Capitol Hill Day, travel expenses up to $500 and recognition in the an AGPT publication.
• The two students receiving the award will receive written confirmation of acceptance.
• Students not chosen for the award will be notified by a letter thanking them for their participation and notification of the award winners.