OPTA and APTA Awards
OPTA Awards Submissions
Each year at the Annual Conference, we take the opportunity to recognize those in our profession that have provided outstanding services to the profession of physical therapy. OPTA has three awards that honor people that have gone the extra mile, the Mercedes Weiss Service Award, the Ricci Susick Advocacy Award, and the Distinguished Service Award. We also recognize PTs or PTAs living in Oregon who have made a positive impact in their community, workplace, or within the OPTA with the Regional Excellence Awards.
A colleague's formal recognition of a job well done is one of the greatest compliments a professional can receive.
If you are interested in nominating someone for an OPTA award, please complete the nomination form by clicking here. Please contact the OPTA Vice President, Carol-Ann Nelson, at [email protected] with questions related to OPTA awards.
Nominations close December 31, 2019
Mercedes Weiss Service Award
The Mercedes Weiss Service Award was established in 1976 to publicly acknowledge the outstanding contribution of members of the profession. Eligibility requirements for the Mercedes Weiss Service Award are as follows:
The candidate shall have made significant contribution to the advancement of one or more of the following areas: 1. Clinical Practice, such as innovations in treatment techniques, patient aids, standards of practice. 2. Education, such as program development or modification, educational skills and techniques, continuing education. 3. Administration, such as staff development, successful administrative innovations. 4. Research, such as basic or clinical research, development and implementation of research models, the promotion of research over a broad base. 5. Practice Management, such as legislative issues, reimbursement, quality assurance, etc. Other areas which may not be included in 1 through 5 but which have significantly affected the practice of physical therapy. 1. The candidate is a member of the OPTA and has been a member for no less than five years. 2. Members of the Selection Committee (OPTA Board of Directors) are not eligible for the award.
Past Recipients
Mercedes Weiss Award
2019 - Deborah Jones, PT, DPT, CEEAA, ATP 2018 - Tyler Cuddeford, PT, PhD. 2016 - Richard Rutt, PT, ATC/R, PhD 2011 - JoAnne Bernt, PT, NCS, GCS 2009 – Bill Temes, PT 2008 – Ricci Susick, PT 2007 – Nancy Cicerillo, PT 2006 – None given 2005 – None given 2004 – Cathy Zarosinski, PT 2003 – Tecla Thiman, PT 2002 – None given 2001 – Lynn Lippert, PT 2000 – None given 1999 – None given 1998 – None given 1997 – None given 1996 – Anne Porter Hoke 1995 – None given 1994 – None given 1993 – Barbara Beardsley 1992 – Bob Burles 1991 – None given 1990 – Fay Horak, PT, PhD 1989 – Paul Winklesky 1988 – Carol Schunk 1987 – None given 1986 – None given 1985 – Clem Eischen 1984 – Dan Jones 1983 – Wilbur Gregory 1982 – Emma Lentzer 1981 – none given 1980 – none given 1979 – Marion Showers 1978 – Mercedes Weiss 1977 – None given 1976 & 1978 – Mercedes Weiss
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award was first given in 1988. Eligibility requirements for the OPTA Distinguished Service Award are:
- The candidate shall have made a distinguished contribution of time, energy or expertise toward furthering the goals of the Oregon Physical Therapy Association and for the benefit of its members.
- The candidate need not be a member of the physical therapy profession or OPTA.
- Members of the Selection Committee (Chapter Vice President and Members-at-Large) are not eligible for the award.
- List the OPTA/APTA offices held, awards received, committee(s) served on when submitting your supporting statement.
Past Recipients
Distinguished Service Award
2019 - Susan Bamburger, PT, DipMDT 2018 - Tasha MacIlveen, PT, DPT, CSCS 2016 – Cathy Zarosinski, PT 2015 – Chris Murphy, PT 2011 – Karen Walz, PT, MA, OCS, FAAOMPT 2009 – Tracy Rutten (lobbyist) 2007 – Dode Jackson, PT 2003 – Ricci Susick, PT 2002 – Kathy Marquardt, PT 2001 – Lucinda Hugos 1993 – Barbara Beardsley, Kathy Marquardt 1992 – Tim Lehman, Dave Groom 1991 – Vinton Mougey, Jewel Lehman 1990 – Teri Nishimoto, Pam Kirk, Hildur Hegstrom 1989 – Bob Burles, Gloria Andrus, Marty McCullough 1988 – Gwen White, Dave Fuchigami, Tom Miller (and Senator Frank Roberts for outstanding efforts on behalf of OPTA at legislative level)
Ricci Susick Advocacy Award
The Ricci Susick Advocacy Award was established in 2018 to publicly acknowledge the outstanding contribution of members of the profession. The candidate shall have made significant contribution to the advancement of the following areas:
- Advocacy at the local, state or national level, resulting in significant benefit to the physical therapy profession.
- Mentorship, furthering the profession through the development and mentoring of others who are passionate about advancing physical therapy.
Past Recipients
Ricci Susick Advocacy Award
2019 - Susan Reynolds, PT, MS, CCM 2018 - Ricci Susick
Congratulations to the 2019 Emerging Student Leaders
Each year the Delegates select one PT student and one PTA student to become part of the delegation to the House of Delegates. These students are fully engaged in the process of reviewing motions for the House and candidates for national office. They are also funded to attend the House.
2019 Winners Ryann Lewis - Pacific University Emily Barron - Lane Community College
APTA is currently accepting awards submissions for the Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Award and the Outstanding Physical Therapist / Physical Therapist Assistant Team Awards.
The Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Award recognizes a physical therapist assistant who has provided clinical services for a minimum of 5 years. This award honors individual achievements in the areas of patient care, community service, and commitment toward the profession and association.
The Outstanding Physical Therapist/Physical Therapist Assistant Team Award honors professionals who have individually provided clinical service for a minimum of 5 years, and have positively affected the quality of physical therapy through their combined teamwork during a period of at least 3 years. This award recognizes a PT/PTA team whose positive work has contributed to the delivery of high-quality physical therapist services.
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