Neurology Section Wins Outstanding Section Award
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| APTA President Scott Ward, PT, PhD presents Inspirational Component Award to Neurology Section President Kathy Sullivan, PT, PhD, FAHA at Annual Conference in Baltimore, MD. |
The Neurology Section was recognized at the 2009 Component President's luncheon as this year's recipient of the "Outstanding Section Award." Kathy Sullivan, Neurology Section President, received the award on behalf of the Section membership from APTA President, Scott Ward. The Component President's luncheon was part of the House of Delegates activities held in Baltimore, MD this past June.
The Outstanding Award is given by the American Physical Thearpy Association to the component that has demonstrated exemplary operations which exceed expectations, meet the needs of members and promote the physical therapy profession. Recipients are selected based on demonstrated outstanding and innovative activities.
The Neurology Section has worked diligently over the past year to accomplish the major goals of its strategic plan and expand membership benefits. Using the strategic plan to guide efforts, the section has worked towards its vision to be a leading partner in the national and international rehabilitation communities by facilitating collaborative relationships, promoting knowledge translation, and influencing policy. The section's strength and certitude in its mission, commitment of its elected leaders, and the unbridled enthusiasm of its volunteers have helped to make it a truly inspirational component.
Section accomplishments in 2008 include the reorganization of the organizational structure to better accomplish the goals of its strategic plan, the implementation of new membership benefits, the creation of new continuing education courses, the enhancement and expansion of section resources through online media, and the ability to proactively address and adapt to the current economic situation.
Organizational Restructuring
In 2008, the Neurology Section voted to amend its organizational bylaws to create three new director positions on the Board of Directors. These positions are the Director of Education, the Director of Communication, and the Director of Research. By expanding the Board of Directors, the section is better able to meet the goals of its strategic plan and implement new and exciting initiatives to enhance member benefits and improve the role of neurologic physical therapy. The expansion of the Board of Directors includes the recently elected Director of Education, Karen McCulloch; Director of Communication, Bob Wellmon; and Director of Research, Teresa Kimberly-Jacobsen.
Communications and Outreach
By utilizing the benefits of technology, the Neurology Section has been able to increase member benefits in a time of economic downturn. The section recognized the need to be proactive in addressing member concerns, and utilize resources to create efficient and cost-effective benefits. These are uncertain times for non-profit organizations when individuals are trying to decide how to adjust their personal financial priorities. The section is working to meet the needs of its membership along with the constraints of today's economic climate. The section has also continued to grow and expand its communications and technology efforts in the past year. The section completed a major website redesign in 2007. In 2008, the section continued to develop the website to better serve its membership and the consumer population. Following the website redesign, the section also worked to update its printed materials to reflect the new style of the website and brand the section's publications. The Member and Public Relations Committee worked to update the membership brochure and the new member packet that is sent monthly to new section members.
Education
One of the section's strategic priorities of highest concern is to provide educational programming that is accessible and communicated to all members. Therefore, continued support for regional programming, the home study series, establishing minimal entry-level neurologic competencies for physical therapy education programs, and alternative non-synchronous learning modules are priorities that are of importance to the section. Thanks to Regional Program Chair, Nancy Fell, Course Director Jane Sullivan, her Co-Director, Kirsten Potter, and all the other Section members who have served as course faculty and contributed to the development of the successful Neurologic Practice Essential: A Measurement Toolbox (see http://www.neuropt.org/go/events-and-courses for dates and locations).