Impact | Foundation for Physical Therapy Research

The Foundation awards doctoral scholarships, postdoctoral fellowships, and research grants to help develop academic doctoral students into successful independent researchers and advance clinically meaningful, evidence-based research. Many of today’s leading physical therapy researchers began their careers with Foundation support, and new investigators continue to produce exceptional work. Foundation-funded researchers consistently build on this success, securing significant follow-on funding to further drive innovation and impact in the profession.

I can say with all certainty that without the Foundation’s support, I wouldn’t be able to do the type of work I do. My career is a direct result of the generosity of the Foundation’s donors.

Daniel White, PT, ScD, MSc

2011 Foundation Geriatric Research Grant Awardee

Getting this award made me feel like my profession agreed with what my goals were in furthering my education and the type of research I wanted to pursue. It told me our profession valued cross-cultural research and better understanding of the causes of disparities in health care and interventions needed to address barriers to improved health.

Cheryl Kerfeld, PT, MS, PhD

1999 Mary McMillan Doctoral Scholarship Awardee

Receiving the Promotion of Doctoral Studies I and II scholarships from the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research is an incredible honor and a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It not only validates the hard work and dedication that I’ve invested in my research to understand social and biological risk factors for chronic pain but also provides the critical support needed to continue exploring innovative solutions in physical therapy. This scholarship supports my passion and commitment to advancing the field, empowering me to make meaningful contributions that can ultimately improve patients’ health outcomes.

Colleen Burke, PT, DPT

2023 & 2024 Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarship Awardee

It’s a profound honor to receive the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research’s Promotion of Doctoral Studies II Scholarship. This support is being directly applied to our objective of identifying biomarkers for patient-specific care and will assist in decreasing the development of chronic shoulder pain.

Matt Heindel, PT DPT

2023 & 2024 Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarship Awardee

I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to work on research through the Foundation. Clinician-researchers are a key component to evidence in our field, and it is vital that future applicants find mentorship. It is equally important to develop a solid research plan before applying for any funding.

Adele Myszenski, PT, MSPT

2020 Acute Care Research Grant Awardee

This is the first grant I received, and it certainly gave credit to my ideas. Getting this award opened other opportunities. It was nice to have the Foundation embrace my vision.

Jan Hughes-Austin, PT, PhD

2014 Foundation Research Grant Awardee