Description/Purpose
The Section on Geriatrics Adopt-A-Doc program seeks to recognize outstanding doctoral students committed to geriatric physical therapy. The purpose of the Section on Geriatrics Adopt-A-Doc program is to provide support to doctoral students interested in pursuing faculty positions in physical therapy education. The Adopt-A-Doc program is to facilitate the completion of the doctoral degree within an area of study relevant to geriatric physical therapy. Adopt-A-Doc award is to be given yearly. It will include:
- Resource person (mentor) from the Board of Directors.
- Up to $5000.00 award to offset tuition or doctoral research costs. (Check presented at CSM meeting.)
- A certificate presentation to awardee.
- The individual (awardee) must submit a progress report at the end of the fiscal year (December 30). Progress report to include research progress and budget expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
- The individual must be a member of APTA and a member of the Section on Geriatrics.
- The individual must be enrolled in a postprofessional doctoral degree program and have successfully completed one semester (or quarter) of that program.
- The individual must have teaching experience relevant to the academic physical therapy setting in a part-time or full-time capacity.
- The individual must demonstrate a commitment to assuming the role of teaching and or research related to gerontology/geriatric physical therapy education following the completion of the doctoral degree.
- Current members of the Section on Geriatrics Board of Directors, Awards Committee, Education Committee, or Research Committee members are not eligible.
- Individuals not selected in previous years may reapply in any subsequent year by the completion and submission of a current application form and current supporting documents.
- Individuals can receive up to a maximum of $10,000.00 from the Adopt-A-Doc Program.
- Individuals may apply for support again by submitting a new application, including information about progress in the doctoral program.
Application Procedure
- Obtain application form/information from:
Section on Geriatrics
3510 East Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
Fax: 608/221-9697
E-mail: geriatrics@geriatricspt.org
OR Printable Web Page Application
- Assemble the complete application information in order,
as noted below. Submit 1 original and 4 additional copies to:
Section on Geriatrics
3510 East Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
Fax: 608/221-9697
E-mail: geriatrics@geriatricspt.org
- Applications must be received no later than November 1.
Application Information
- Completed application form.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Verification of enrollment in a post-professional doctoral degree program. Verification includes a brief letter from Director of Graduate Studies, a brief letter from registrar, or an official current transcript.
- Personal statement of (a) professional goals; (b) description of how your career and doctoral studies will prepare you to successfully reach your professional goals; and (c) progress toward doctoral degree. This statement should be no more than 5 pages, double-spaced with a minimum of 1-inch margins and 12-point font.
- Two letters of recommendation (Current members of the Section on Geriatrics Research Committee, Education Committee or Awards Committee members shall not nominate, write letters of support, or endorse individuals for award).
- Description of teaching experience.
- Description of doctoral program.
- No more than 5 abstracts of presentations, publications, or pending submissions.
Procedures for Review
The Research Committee, Education Committee, and Awards Committee (Chairpersons or one appointed member from each committee) of the Section on Geriatrics will review the nominations and select recipients. Notification of the Award
- Individuals will receive a letter informing them of the receipt of their application packet. If the packet is incomplete, the individual will be contacted by phone and will receive written notification.
- The recipient of the award will be notified by January 1 after selection.
- Individuals not selected will receive a letter thanking them for their application and encouraging resubmission of materials.
- The award will be announced at the Section on Geriatrics Business Meeting at the Combined Sections Meeting in February of each year. The scholarship and certificate will be awarded at this meeting.
- An appropriate announcement of the award will appear in GeriNotes and/or any other official publication of the Association.
