General Information

Catherine Worthingham, PT, PhD, FAPTA, was a change agent who was effective, respectful, and honest, and motivated others to make an impact within the physical therapy profession. She was also a visionary who demonstrated leadership across the domains of advocacy, education, practice, and research.

The purpose of the Catherine Worthingham Fellow designation, or FAPTA, is to honor her and inspire all physical therapists to attain the high level of professional excellence and impact in terms of advancing the profession she exemplified.

The FAPTA designation is the highest honor among APTA's membership categories.

Eligibility Requirements

• A physical therapist or life physical therapist member of the association whose contributions to the profession through leadership, influence, and achievements demonstrates frequent and sustained efforts to advance the profession for a period of not less than 15 years preceding the nomination for election.
• Physical therapists who are current members in good standing of the association.

Criteria for Selection

Nominees must demonstrate:

• Demonstrated excellence in a primary domain of advocacy, education, practice, or research
• National recognition by APTA members and by leaders outside the physical therapy profession regarding the impact achieved in the primary domain (advocacy, education, practice, or research)
• Frequent and sustained contributions (leadership, influence, and achievements) to advance the profession over a period of not less than 15 years
• Definitive ways in which advancement of the physical therapy profession or lasting contributions have been achieved
• Leadership and achievements in at least two of three nonprimary domains

Submission Requirements

Nomination or self-nomination statements must be submitted to begin the process.

The following must be submitted by the nominee:

• Completed online application
• Applicant curriculum vitae or resume should reflect the following:
  • Articles published, lectures, and/or presentations given must identify service to the association and at what level.
  • Provide clear evidence of translation of contributions in your primary domain.
  • Provide evidence of contributions across at least two of the additional three nonprimary domains, and highlight evidence of your nationally prominent leadership, influence, and achievements within the physical therapy profession.
• Five support statements are required for this award: four must be from APTA members and one must be from an individual outside the profession, noting your contributions to the PT profession, as judged from outside the profession. Each support statement should:
  • Indicate the institution or facility with which the author of the statement is affiliated and in what capacity the author works with, has worked with, or otherwise personally or professionally knows you.
  • Provide an explicit account of how you meet one or more of the Catherine Worthingham Fellow criteria supported by appropriate details and examples drawn from your professional career.
  • Reflect genuine knowledge and consideration of your qualifications for the membership category of Catherine Worthingham Fellow of APTA.
  • Make direct reference to at least one of your nonprimary domains.
  • Summarize how you have made an impact and been recognized by APTA members and by leaders outside the physical therapy profession.

What Recipients Receive

A certificate, lapel pin, and honor cord will be presented to the recipient, and an official announcement will appear in an association publication. The recipient also may use the FAPTA designation after their names.

Submit a Nomination

The nominations call for the Honors & Awards program is open from Sept. 1 to Dec. 1. Nominations must be submitted through our online platform by Dec. 1; late submissions will not be considered. Selected recipients and their nominators will be notified in May.

Additional Resources

For questions regarding the nomination process or the award, contact APTA Honors & Awards.

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