A Tribute to Pauline (Polly) Cerasoli: 1939-2011

Abstract

Presented at the 14th Annual Pauline Cerasoli Lecture at the American Physical Therapy Association's Combined Sections Meeting in February 2011 At the 14th Annual Pauline Cerasoli lecture this past February, I was given the honor to say a few words about my friend and colleague Polly Cerasoli. I think most of you know that this annual event was initiated in 1997 as a tribute to Polly, whose life was interrupted and tragically cut short by an act of violence over 15 years ago. Polly finally succumbed to her injuries this past fall and now is finally at peace. Many of you never knew Polly personally, although you have read about her professional legacy in the publicity surrounding this annual lecture. In this tribute, I am going to share the more humanistic attributes of Polly and share some highlights of Pollys professional career that are a part of her legacy to her beloved profession. (Just for the record, Polly is also remembered as being the loving "Auntie Mame" to her nieces and nephews and a loving family member.) I sincerely believe that Polly would also like to be remembered as a dedicated professional who made major contributions to the profession of physical therapy. Polly was passionate about advancing the profession of physical therapy and was a risk taker. Polly believed in teamwork, interdisciplinary education, and the development of leadership skills in health professionals. She was never afraid to move forward as an individual or as an advocate for the profession. Although change used to make her nervous and somewhat uncomfortable, Polly would overcome her discomfort if she believed in a new idea. She often did this with a glass of wine with her close friends and lots of chatting (and yes, venting). Polly just loved to laugh! What Was Her Career Path? Polly began her academic career at Northeastern University. During her long tenure from 1967-1981, she served in a variety of roles including therapeutic exercise expert (she just loved PNF!), academic coordinator of clinical education, and acting chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. In 1981, she was recruited to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) where she served as the director of rehabilitation services and physical therapy. I really got to know Polly at MGH, especially as we planned the graduate program in physical therapy at the MGH Institute of Health Professions where she was an associate professor. Then, in 1988, the Vermonter headed west to become assistant dean of Allied Health and the director of the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Colorado. Polly brought her New England sensibilities and energy to Denver where she found a new home and loved leading the department. She was in that position when she was injured. So that sums up where she worked, and now I will share some of her spectacular accomplishments. There are so many stories that I could tell you about Polly, but since this is a professional tribute, I decided to focus on her leadership legacy. My friend and colleague, Colleen Kigin, was the second Cerasoli lecturer and she, too, was a good friend of Pollys. Colleens talk focused on leadership, and she talked about the five "Cs: Commitment, Caring/Mentoring, Collaboration, Comfort with change, and Comfort with self.1 With Colleens permission, I have cited examples of Polly s leadership in each of these categories. These are just a snapshot of her numerous professional accomplishments. Commitment In 1987, Polly received her doctorate in education degree from Northeastern University. Her dissertation was titled "The Relationship of Leadership Style and Job Satisfaction in Physical Therapy Clinicians." Her commitment to excellence and professionalism was clear as she completed her education while working fulltime and serving on many APTA leadership committees. Pollys doctorate in education program was interdisciplinary, and her fellow classmates included health professionals in occupational therapy, nursing, dietetics, and social work. …