Awards & Honors
The FPTA is proud of the many contributions by its volunteer members.
The dedication and contribution of these physical therapists and physical therapist assistants has made this association what it is today and what it will be in the future.
Choose the Award below you’d like to make a submission to, and click the MORE INFO button.
Nomination Info
Submission Requirements
- A letter of nomination specifically focused on the strengths of the nominee in relation to the award criteria, not to exceed 3 pages.
- 3 letters of support from individuals who can specifically address one or more of the criteria for selection, not to exceed 2 pages each.
- Curriculum vitae or resume of the nominee.
Deadline is June 30th, 2026
FPTA Awards
To recognize and honor these contributions, these awards have been developed and awarded throughout the years.
Sheila Nicholson Legacy Award
2025 Recipient: Kathy Swanick, PT, DPT, OCS
Acknowledge and honor an individual who has made a lasting and meaningful impact to the FPTA.
Excellence in Academic Teaching
2025 Recipient: Melissa Lazinski, PT, DPT
Acknowledge and honor an educator for excellence in academic teaching.
Excellence in Academic Teaching
2025 Recipient: Amanda Thomas, DPT
Acknowledge and honor an educator for excellence in academic teaching.
Fred Rutan Award for Excellence in Service
2025 Recipient: Rose Babcock, PT, DPT, OCS
In recognition of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who has provided exceptional service on an FPTA Committee or Task Force.
Emerging Leader Award
2025 Recipient: Chloe Artrip, PT, DPT, NCS
To recognize a member who demonstrates extraordinary service early in his or her physical therapy career.
Outstanding PT/PTA Team Award
2025 Recipient: N/A
To recognize outstanding clinical collaboration between a physical therapist/ physical therapist assistant team.
Outstanding PT Student Award
2025 Recipient: Gabrielle Owens Jackson, SPT – University of Central Florida
To acknowledge and honor a Student Physical Therapist Assistant who exhibits superior scholastic achievement and has made significant contributions to the professional organization and promotion of physical therapy.
Outstanding PTA Student Award
2025 Recipient: Britani Jurowski, SPTA – South University-Tampa
To acknowledge and honor a Student Physical Therapist Assistant who exhibits superior scholastic achievement and has made significant contributions to the professional organization and promotion of physical therapy.
Excellence in Clinical Practice Award
2025 Recipient: Han Nguyen, PT, DPT
To recognize a Physical Therapist and a Physical Therapist Assistant who exudes outstanding clinical practice.
Excellence in Clinical Practice Award
2025 Recipient: David Garcia, PT
To recognize a Physical Therapist and a Physical Therapist Assistant who exudes outstanding clinical practice.
Scholarly Impact on Practice
2025 Recipient: Meryl Alappattu, PT, DPT, PhD
The purpose of this award is to acknowledge and honor an individual whose individual and/or collaborative scholarly activity has made a meaningful difference to clinical practice by physical therapists in Florida.
Rick Shutes Award for Legislative Advocacy
2025 Recipient: Arie van Duijn, PT, MSPT, EdD
For exceptional service in governmental advocacy on behalf of FPTA.
