Two researchers and a longtime APTA staff member were formally recognized as honorary members of APTA by the 2018 House of Delegates for contributions that have allowed physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) to better serve patients and clients.
James H. Rimmer, PhD, has conducted research that is widely known for its emphasis on health promotion and wellness for people with disability, particularly as it relates to physical therapy. This, in turn, has fostered development of models for the integration of health promotion into PT practice. He is also the creator of large-scale centers that promote health and wellness, and currently directs 2 federally funded centers: the National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability; and the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Interactive Exercise Technologies and Exercise Physiology for People with Disabilities.
Daniel M. Corcos, PhD, a scientist whose research focuses on the neural basis of motor control, has a 30-year history of collaborating with PTs in a variety of ways, from serving as a doctoral chair to coauthoring peer-reviewed publications. In addition, Corcos played critical roles in developing grants that have supported the work of PTs and has been the recipient of grants that have included PTs as principal or co-principal investigators.
With more than 38 years as an APTA employee, Bonnie Polvinale, former APTA chief operations officer (now retired), is the longest-serving staff member in the association's history. During her tenure with APTA, Polvinale helped to refine or re-envision some of the association's most popular offerings including the NEXT Conference and Exposition, the APTA Learning Center, and the Combined Sections Meeting. APTA President Sharon Dunn, PT, PhD, described Polvinale as a "truly outstanding" individual "committed to helping others" whatever the need. "Bonnie Polvinale possess the same compassion and caring for the individual that called us all to our profession in the first place," Dunn said.
Final language for these recognitions and all actions taken by the House will be available by September after the minutes have been approved.
