Inside Education and Health Sciences

Mary Fisher, University of Dayton professor and chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, was honored with the President's Award at the 2023 Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association.

The President's Award is given at the discretion of the president of Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy to an individual or team that deserves recognition for their work in the field.

Fisher was chosen for the award for:

• her steadfast dedication to the advancement of physical therapy oncology practice and the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy.
• always advocating for what is right and needed.
• championing the next generation of researchers and leaders.
• her commitment and kindness throughout all of her years of service.

Fisher feels surprised and humbled to be recognized in this way.

"I am doing what is right to advance our profession," Fisher said. "I don't really think I'm special, but I am honored to be recognized for my efforts."

She has served the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy as the editor-in-chief of the Rehabilitation Oncology journal since 2020. Fisher fell in love with the research element of physical therapy and how it informs practice, and that's what she is trying to convey through her journal editorship.

"What we do as therapists improves the quality of life of our patients," Fisher said. "My role, from a research perspective, is being the link between the lab and how you get results out into the hands of the clinicians so that our patients are better-served. I want the research to be relevant to clinical practice."

This is the second time Fisher has received the President's Award; she was also recognized in 2019 for her work advancing the Academy's social media presence with her colleague Stephen Wechsler.

Read more about Mary Fisher.