Section on Research is a component of the American Physical Therapy Association

Christopher Powers, PT, PhD

President, Section on Research 

 

On behalf of the Section on Research (SOR), I would like to welcome you to our website. Whether you are a member or non-member, please take a moment to browse the various pages, links, and resources that have been compiled for your benefit. We hope you find our website to be a valuable source of research-related information. 

More than ever, physical therapy research is playing an important role as the profession moves towards autonomous, evidence-based practice.  The Section on Research is committed to playing a leadership role within the APTA to ensure that the research needs of the profession are met.  In addition, the SOR is committed to meeting the needs of its diverse membership, which ranges from graduate students to senior investigators. 

Please take a moment to review the section’s strategic plan. Adopted by the SOR membership in 2007, this document provides the blueprint for the section’s activities over the next 5 years. As you will notice, the goals set forth in the strategic plan are ambitious and attainment of the various objectives will require active involvement of the membership at all levels. As a membership driven organization, we need your help to realize our mission and vision! Please consider making an investment in the SOR by volunteering your time and/or expertise as we move forward with our plan. 

I appreciate the opportunity to serve the SOR as your President. Please contact me or any member of the executive committee if you have any questions and/or comments concerning the section. 

 Christopher M. Powers PT, Ph.D.

 President, Section on Research

 

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PREAMBLE

 

Given that research in physical therapy has evolved and advanced in recent years, the Section on Research (SOR) recognizes the need to respond to the challenges and responsibilities of facilitating and supporting research efforts of physical therapists in complex and dynamic health care environments. With these factors in mind, the leadership of the SOR decided to update its strategic plan. A formal strategic planning process included: (1) a re-examination of why the SOR exists (Mission); (2) what the SOR would like to achieve in the next 3-5 years (Vision), (3) how we make it happen (Goals), and (4) how we get there (Objectives and Strategies).[1] The aim was to support the mission, vision and goals with objectives and strategies that are feasible, measurable, and would specifically guide financial and member resource allocation over the next 3 to 5 years. The plan identified below was formulated to make important statements about the direction of the SOR, while also clearly identifying activities that require the commitment of the SOR and its members in collaboration with others to support the research-related needs of physical therapists.

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

The mission of the Section on Research is to facilitate the best practice of physical therapy through enhancement of the quality, dissemination, and utilization of research.

 

VISION STATEMENT

 

The Section on Research, through education, collaboration, advocacy, and mentorship, will empower both clinicians and researchers to generate, disseminate, and translate physical therapy-related research that will guide best clinical practice.

 

GOALS

 

1.       Facilitate the generation of high-quality physical therapy related research that supports best practice and influences health policy.

2.       Improve the dissemination of physical therapy-related research.

3.       Facilitate translation of research findings for appropriate utilization in clinical practice.

 

President

Christopher M. Powers, PT, PhD

Vice-President

Gerard Peter Brennan, PT, PhD

Secretary

Martha Elizabeth Eastlack, PT

Treasurer

Samuel Richard Ward, PT, PhD

Program Chair

Carole A. Tucker, PT, PhD, PCS

Board Liaison

Lisa Kristine Saladin, PT, PhD

How The Section Works
The Section on Research is governed by an elected board of directors, all of whom are available to discuss issues affecting the Association and the physical therapy profession. In addition to the Board of Directors, section members participate in committee and task force activities. The actions taken by the Board, committees and task forces are member-directed.

The section president is responsible for governing and directing all section activities. The section delegate participates in the House of Delegates, which is the highest decision-making body of the Association, and makes decisions on issues that frequently have far-reaching implications for the Association and the profession.  To reach the president, the section delegate, or other section officers, contact the section office listed above.

Get Involved! contact us to become involved in section activities and committees. Your participation is essential to the strength of the section.