In Memory of Peter A Huijbregts, PT, MSc, MHSc, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, FCAMT

Abstract

31 May 1966–6 November 2010 David Seltzer once wrote ‘For some moments in life there are no words.’ On 6 November 2010, the worldwide physical therapy community was collectively silenced by the passing of Peter Huijbregts. Peter was born in Goirle, The Netherlands in 1966 and obtained a BSc in Physical Therapy from the Hogeschool Eindhoven in 1990, an MSc in Manual Therapy from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in 1994, an MHSc in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis in 1997, and a doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences in 2001. Peter was an outstanding clinician, teacher, author, editor, and advocate for the profession. He was board-certified in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and a Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy and the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy. Peter was actively involved in physical therapy education and professional development. His most recent appointments were at the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences and the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy. In addition, Peter was a sought after speaker for continuing medical education courses worldwide. Peter’s contributions to the literature were significant and comprehensive. He published numerous scientific papers, editorials, book reviews, book chapters, and two books. Peter served as the Editor of JMMT from 2005 to 2007, and as a consulting editor and manuscript reviewer for several medical journals. These accomplishments are noteworthy but aren’t what we’ll remember Peter for. Most importantly, Peter was a loving husband and a father. His friendship was shared by countless clinicians, students, and colleagues throughout the world; friends who have recognized Peter for his selfless giving, his mentorship, and his zeal for life. Throughout his professional career Peter challenged us to question our beliefs regarding examination and treatment approaches to patient care. He argued that evidence should drive decision making and that there was little room in healthcare for turf wars, emotionalism, and complacency. We feel that the best memorial that we can offer Peter is to continually scrutinize our own beliefs about the scientific basis of manual therapy. We lost a great one on November the 6th. Rest in peace our friend.