Two members and one alumnus of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences were recognized for their outstanding achievements at the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) annual conference in Orlando Sept. 21, 2024.
The strong showing reflects the school’s commitment to the highest standards of excellence and to meeting the health care needs of the state, said Melissa Lazinski, PT, DPT, DHSc, OCS, professor and program director of the USF Health physical therapy doctoral program.
“I am excited that our state chapter has chosen to recognize a USF Health faculty member, current student and an alum for the 2024 FPTA Awards. This shows not only our success in the academic setting but also the overall community impact of our program and our alumni,” Dr. Lazinski said.
Whitney Herd (right), a third-year doctoral student received the “Outstanding Physical Therapy Student Award.”
Among the winners was Whitney Herd, a third-year doctoral student who received the “Outstanding Physical Therapy Student Award,” for demonstrating scholastic achievement and significant contributions to the promotion of physical therapy.
Representing USF Health faculty, associate professor Jeannie Stephenson, PT, PhD ‘24, MS, was given the “Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching,” in acknowledgment of her contributions in education and dedication to shaping future physical therapists.
In addition to these awards, a USF Health alumnus, Christopher Thurston, PT, DPT ‘12, OCS, FAAOMPT, CSCS, received the “Outstanding Physical Therapy Clinical Instructor Award” for his excellence in clinical instruction and in the field.