Purpose:
To recognize a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant for outstanding work as a clinical educator in the geriatric health care setting.
Rationale:
A student's experience in the clinical setting during short and long term affiliations has a significant and profound impact on the student's perception of clinical practice and desire to work in that setting in the future. A Clinical Instructor (CI) can be the one individual most responsible for creating a meaningful and valued affiliation experience for the individual student. To be effective in this role, the CI must be an advocate for rehabilitation of the older adult as well as a successful educator. To accomplish the latter, the CI must be as committed to knowing the student and his/her learning objectives as the CI is to knowing patient's treatment objectives. The CI must also demonstrate creativity in designing the affiliation experiences; willingness to learn with the student; openness to giving and receiving constructive criticism; and knowledge of the developments in adult education and care of the older adult.
Criteria:
To be eligible for this award, the nominee must:
- Be a current member of the Section on Geriatrics;
- Be an advocate for student programs and opportunities for students to complete a fulfilling educational experience;
- Be an advocate for older adults and a role model for excellence in physical therapy practice;
- Have been involved in geriatric clinical practice settings for a minimum of 5 years;
- Demonstrate innovation and leadership in clinical education and outstanding quality of care in multidisciplinary teamwork.
Nomination Process:
Any current member of the Section on Geriatrics may nominate a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who meets the award criteria. Nomination packets should include:
- One letter of nomination, addressed to the Awards Committee, describing how the nominee meets the criteria;
- One (1) letter from a former student and no more than three (3) letters from additional students and/or colleagues, describing how the nominee has demonstrated the criteria;
- A copy of the nominee's current resume or CV.
Complete nomination packets must be received by the Awards Committee by November 1.
Selection Process:
Nominations will be reviewed by at least three members of the Awards Committee. The Chair of the Awards Committee will notify the Section Board of Directors of the committee's selection.
Presentation:
The award will be presented following the Business Meeting during APTA Combined Sections Meeting, usually held in February of each year. The award will consist of a plaque and a $200 award. Mail nominations to:
Section on Geriatrics
3510 East Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
Fax: 608/221-9697
E-mail: geriatrics@geriatricspt.org
