Scholarship, fellowships, and grants. (Foundation for Physical Therapy).

New Research Grants Funded

The Foundation for Physical Therapy awarded a total of $80,000 in research grants to physical therapists to fund 2 projects evaluating the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions. The physical therapists will each receive $40,000 to fund their projects.

"The Foundation 'Board of Trustees is honored to advance physical therapy research by awarding grants to these deserving physical therapists," says Foundation President Jayne L Snyder, PT, MA. The Foundation awarded research grants to:

* Christian C Evans, PT, MSPT, PhD, Midwestern University, Physical Therapy Department, was awarded a grant for the topic "Evaluating the effectiveness of physical therapist interventions," which will be funded by donations received from the 2000 Miami-Marquette Challenge. The grant will support his project titled "Effects of Exercise and Unloading by Left Ventricular-Assist Device on Myofilament Activation in Heart Failure."

* Julie M Fritz, PT, PhD, ATC, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Physical Therapy, was awarded a grant for the topic "Evaluating the effectiveness of physical therapist interventions for people with musculoskeletal disorders" to be funded by a donation from the Orthopaedic Section of APTA. The grant will support her project titled "Validation of a Clinical Prediction Rule for Identifying Patients with Low Back Pain Likely to Respond to a Manipulation Technique: A Randomized Trial."

Mary McMillan Doctoral Scholarship Recipients Announced

The Foundation for Physical Therapy recently awarded Mary McMillan Doctoral Scholarships to 7 physical therapists pursing doctorates. The $5,000 scholarships are for the 2001-2002 academic year.

Recipients of the Mary McMillan Doctoral Scholarship are:

Jennifer Braswell
University of Miami

Judy L Foxworth
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Diane Nathan Goldstein
Sargent College, Boston University

Jill Cathleen Heathcock
The University of Delaware

Ryan L Mizner
The University of Delaware

Maureen A Rinehimer
MCP Hahnemann University

Dawn E Roberts
University of Massachusetts at Amherst

PODS Scholarships and NIFTI Fellowships Application Deadline

The deadline for receipt of completed applications for Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarships (PODS) and fellowships under the New Investigator Fellowship Training Initiative (NIFTI) is January 15, 2002.

The PODS level I scholarships fund students who have completed at least 2 full semesters or 3 full quarters of their coursework toward a doctorate. Selected candidates receive an award of up to $7,500. The PODS level II scholarships fund students who have been formally admitted to candidacy. Selected candidates receive up to $15,000. The scholarship period for PODS I and II awards is September 1, 2002 through August 31, 2003.

The New Investigator Fellowship Training Initiative (NIFTI) awards postdoctoral fellowships to physical therapists who have completed their doctorates in the previous 5 years or to physical therapists with doctorates who have completed their professional education within the past 5 years. Fellowships are $30,000 and are renewable for 1 year. The fellowship period is September 1, 2002, through August 31, 2003.

For more information on scholarships, fellowships or grants, please contact the Foundation at [e-mail].

You Could Win a Chrysler 2002 PT Cruiser

Yes, you could win a Limited Edition Chrysler 2002 PT Cruiser at Combined Sections Meeting in Boston! The Foundation is asking for a donation of $25 for 1 entry or $100 for 5 entries. Entry forms are also available from your Chapter leadership or by contacting the Foundation at 800/999-2782, ext. 8904, or by e-mail at [e-mail].

Going to CSM in Boston? Be sure to stop by the Foundation's Information Table or booth in the exhibit hall to enter. Your donation is a tax-deductible contribution to the Foundation for Physical Therapy.

Cardio Dance to Benefit Physical Therapy Research

The Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section of APTA and the Foundation for Physical Therapy are sponsoring a dance at CSM in Boston, on Thursday, February 21, from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Tickets cost $20 each, students $10. Proceeds will assist the Foundation accomplish its mission of funding physical therapy research.

Before CSM, you may purchase tickets by calling APTA's Service Center at 800/999-2782, ext 3395, by January 15, 2002. During CSM, tickets will be available at the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section booth and the Foundation for Physical Therapy information table.