51С�Ƴ�

Courtney Klenk, DPT, a 2010 graduate of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, was named an Emerging Leader in the October issue of PT in Motion, the official publication of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Klenk is currently employed as a physical therapist with the Miriam Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic in Providence, Rhode Island. She currently serves as the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (RIAPTA) Membership Committee co-chair, a member of the Rehabilitation Planning Council, leader of the Evidence-Based Practice Group, and representative for outpatient rehabilitation on the Ambulatory Quality Council Committee at the Miriam Hospital.

According to the article, “Klenk has made it her mission to increase chapter involvement among practicing professionals and students alike.”  For example, she has organized visits to schools by chapter members to talk about the importance of involvement in RIAPTA and has organized events to encourage membership and networking.

The article discusses what first attracted Klenk to physical therapy.  After developing iliotibial band syndrome as a runner, she was extremely grateful for the help of her own physical therapist, Lynn Johnson, PT, MS, OCS, CSCS, a fellow running aficionado.  “It was amazing the impact that Lynn had on my life.  I wanted to be able to have an impact on others’ lives and help them return to something they loved, just like my therapist had done for me,” said Klenk.

In total, 18 Emerging Leaders were named for 2014.  Each year, one physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, who is no more than ten years from formal graduation, is selected from each APTA chapter or section.  Awardees are considered to have made exceptional overall accomplishments and contributions to APTA, their chapter and the physical therapy profession by advancing APTA’s mission.