Written by Elena Potter
Professor Jennifer Christy, PT, Ph.D., director, University of Alabama at Birmingham Doctor of Physical Therapy program, assistant dean for Faculty Affairs in the School of Health Professions, has been named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association.
This is the highest honor among APTA membership categories. It serves as an inspiration for all physical therapists to achieve a high level of professional excellence.
Christy has been active in the field of physical therapy for over 30 years and a faculty member at UAB for 19 years. She has received multiple honors and awards from APTA including the Lucy Blair Service Award, Pediatric Section Dissertation Award, and Foundation for Physical Therapy Mary McMillan Doctoral Scholarship. A member of multiple scientific and professional societies, Christy was most recently accepted into the Bárány Society: The International Society for Neuro-otology.
Her work and research has primarily focused on vestibular rehabilitation for children. This focus led her to be key faculty for multiple competency-based courses for adults and pediatrics in vestibular rehabilitation which are taught all over the world including Australia, China, England and across the United States.
Christy is also the Director of Research for APTA Pediatrics. In this role she leads a group of researchers who review and award research grants, review and choose abstracts for conference presentations, organize research summits and bridge the gap between researchers and clinicians.
Her dedication to serving APTA and its members has positioned Christy to be recognized with this honor.
“I am so excited and beyond honored to be named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA. This honor goes to my UAB family, and so many mentors and friends that have inspired and poured into me throughout my career,” said Christy.
Her peers, some of whom are involved in Christy’s nomination, give unwavering support to the APTA’s decision.
“I am so proud of Jennifer for receiving this prestigious honor. All of us who know and love her see how she attacks everything she does with unbridled passion, so it is not surprising that her passion for her work has propelled her to be recognized with the highest honor our profession has to offer,” said colleague Patricia Perez, PT, DScPT, director, Student Affairs, associate professor, UAB DPT program. “She inspires all of us here in the Department of Physical Therapy to be diligent and joyful in our work every day.”
Christy's exceptional contributions to the field of physical therapy make her a truly deserving recipient of the Catherine Worthingham Fellow title, and the UAB Department of Physical Therapy eagerly anticipates the continued positive impact she will undoubtedly make in the years to come.
