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The APTA Societal Impact Award recognizes and rewards an association member who demonstrates leadership, commitment and dedication to addressing issues related to societal welfare.
This award specifically recognizes individuals who exemplify the compassionate nature of the physical therapy profession by exhibiting a distinguished commitment toward philanthropic initiatives, raising public awareness on key societal issues, and demonstrating how physical therapy can be applied to address these issues.
Established in 2017, the APTA Societal Impact Award fosters the association's outward-facing vision and highlights the impact of physical therapy in improving quality of life.
Eligibility Requirements
Nominees must be physical therapists or physical therapist assistants who are current members in good standing of the association.
Criteria for Selection
Nominees must demonstrate:
- Activities to address and positively impact societal welfare
- Contributions through leadership, influence, service, or achievements and sustained efforts to improve the societal welfare
A strong application should demonstrate the following:
Activities to address and positively impact societal welfare:
- Sustained and continuous contributions that positively impact societal welfare
- Details and record of activities that span at least one year prior to the nomination submission
Contributions through leadership, influence, service, or achievements and sustained efforts to improve the societal welfare over a period of at least one year preceding the nomination for the award:
- Leadership contributions of an exceptional value to the association and to the physical therapy profession
Philanthropic initiatives and advancement of physical therapy through activities of a high moral caliber and charitable nature:
- Activities that are documented and/or implemented through at least two channels (e.g., publications, provision of services, programs)
- Activities that have yielded a long-standing, positive influence on the profession and impacted groups
Support statements that are positive, cite specific examples of professional accomplishments, and provide additional information on depth, scope, and quality in a convincing manner.
What Recipients Receive
An award will be presented to the recipient by APTA's Board of Directors at an APTA national event, and an official announcement will appear in an association publication.
Submission Requirements
Nomination or self-nomination statements must be submitted to begin the process.
The following must be submitted by the nominee:
- Current curriculum vitae or resume of the nominee
- Completed online application
- Two support statements obtained from the following:
- Individuals other than the author of the nomination letter that detail how the nominee meets at least two of the award's criteria as described above.
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.