Pierce Serves as APTA Delegate, Celebrates Centennial Through Service

September 30, 2021

Teresa Pierce, PT, DPT, a board certified clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy and an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at PCOM Georgia, represents Georgia as one of eight delegates to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the professional organization for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students.

Elected in April 2021 by APTA Georgia, Dr. Pierce recently attended the American Physical Therapy Association's Centennial Celebration to celebrate its 100 years as a member association.

“Professional service is one of the pillars in academia and participating in APTA governance on behalf of our state has been a great learning opportunity,” Dr. Pierce said. “Being a delegate has allowed me to have a voice in legislative decisions to represent constituents in our association.”

In conjunction with the annual House of Delegates session in Washington, D.C., members visited the new APTA headquarters, known as Centennial Center, on the banks of the Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia. Delegates, officers and honorees also attended a Centennial Gala at the Washington National Cathedral.

Consistent with the association’s vision of Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience, the APTA is sponsoring “100 Days of Service” during the last 100 days of 2021. According to APTA’s website, “These activities are meant to spark member engagement in local communities, promote collaboration with other members or components, and raise awareness about the profession.“

“As I share my experiences with students, my hope is that they will see the importance of service and be involved in our professional association throughout their education and future careers as physical therapists," Dr. Pierce said.

As National Physical Therapy Month is also observed during October, the PCOM Georgia Physical Therapy Department is sponsoring several health and wellness screenings, as well as a therapy equipment demonstration to raise awareness about the profession.

• Learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at PCOM Georgia.

Step Right-Up – Exploring Walking Patterns

October 11, 2021, 3 – 5 p.m.
Carol A. Miller, PT, PhD, and DPT students will demonstrate the use of the Protokinetics Zeno Walkway. Participants will have the opportunity to “Step Up” and have their walking patterns analyzed or simply view the gait data that is collected for clinical progress and research.

Ever Wonder What Lies Beneath? Pelvic Floor Screenings with Ultrasound Imaging

October 14, 2021, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Ruth Maher, PT, PhD, DPT, and DPT students will provide pelvic floor screenings using ultrasound imaging. Pelvic floor health and wellness will be discussed.

Blood Pressure Screening

October 18, 2021, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Alaina Bell, PT, DPT, and first year DPT students will provide blood pressure screenings.

Postural Screening

October 20, 2021, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jennifer Wiley, PT, DPT, DHSC, and third year DPT students will provide postural screenings.

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