What's in a name? For the organization formerly known as The Foundation for Physical Therapy (Foundation), just about everything.
Earlier this month, the Foundation announced a name change for the organization, from the Foundation for Physical Therapy to the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. It's a subtle change, but an important one, according to Foundation President Edelle Field-Fote, PT, PhD, FAPTA.
"After much consideration, the board of trustees concluded that this addition to our name would more clearly define what we do," Field-Fote said in a Foundation news release. "Research has always been the core of our identity. Now it's a part of our name."
The name change, adopted in the Foundation's 40th anniversary year, was accompanied by a new logo and redesigned website. The shifts were the result of a nearly 2-year communications assessment.
Rather than an attempt to capture a new direction, the name change is intended to make the Foundation's focus as clear as possible. According to Field-Fote, the work of the Foundation will continue unaltered.
"Although our name and logo have changed…our everyday work and enduring commitment to the profession remain unwavering," Field-Fote said.
Since its establishment with the financial support of APTA in 1979, the Foundation has become an independent 501(c)(3) organization that has awarded more than $17 million in grants, scholarships, and fellowships. In addition, the Foundation established the Center on Health Services Training and Research (CoHSTAR), a multi-institutional research and training program. APTA is a Foundation Pinnacle Partner in Research and was a lead donor to the establishment of CoHSTAR.
