Anthony Delitto, Ph.D., PT, FAPTAThe University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physical Therapy selects Anthony Delitto, Ph.D., PT, FAPTA, as the inaugural lecturer for the Marilyn R. Gossman Endowed Lectureship. Delitto, associate dean for research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, is recognized around the world for his accomplishments and contributions to the PT profession.

“When I entered the PT profession, Marilyn was already known for having built UAB into an educational force in the PT world so I am honored to be the first Marilyn R. Gossman Endowed lecturer,” said Delitto, an unprecedented six-time winner of the highly regarded Steven J. Rose Award. “I am not one to talk about myself so my lecture will focus on the monumental work of others in research, practice and education.”

The inaugural Gossman Lectureship, sponosored by TherapySouth, will be Friday, May 16, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., in Volker Hall, Lecture Room A, located at 1670 University Boulevard. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Delitto, who has served on numerous appointee committees and task forces for the American Physical Therapy Association, is a professor in Pitt’s Department of Physical Therapy and vice president of education and research for the Centers for Rehab Services. He has held APTA leadership positions in Illinois, Missouri, New York and Pennsylvania. In 2008, he was given the Mary McMillan Lecture Award which is considered by many to be the most prestigious honor bestowed on a PT in the United States.

“We are honored to have Dr. Delitto as the first Marilyn Gossman lecturer,” said Diane Clark, PT, DScPT, interim chair, UAB School of Health Professions PT department. “He has been and will continue to be a true pioneer in physical therapy. I am confident that his lecture will provide numerous ‘gems’ that will benefit the UAB academic and clinical community.”

Marilyn Gossman, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA, was a physical therapist, educator, researcher, and influential leader who served as chair of the UAB PT department for more than 30 years. In 1998, Gossman died of breast cancer.

Beginning with Delitto’s selection in 2014, the UAB PT department will choose a renowned therapist, who has made profound contributions to the physical therapy profession, to give a lecture that is open to the public in honor of Gossman.