The Next Evolution

Abstract

Roger M. Nelson, PT, PhD, FAPTA, has served the profession as a clinician, educator, researcher, and mentor for close to 50 years. Dr Nelson received his bachelor of science degree in physical therapy from New York University in 1965. He received his master of science degree from the Sargent College of Allied Health Professions, Boston University, in 1971 and his doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Iowa in 1981. His record of service includes 25 years as a commissioned officer in the US Public Health Service. He has created both national and international collaborations for education, research, and patient care and has been instrumental in gaining the recognition of physical therapists as core members of the health care team. Past Vice President of Expert Clinical Benchmarks at MedRisk Inc, he is professor emeritus at Lebanon Valley College and a former professor at Thomas Jefferson University and the College of Staten Island. Dr Nelson has authored and co-authored more than 50 publications in the peer-reviewed literature and has made more than 180 presentations to local, national, and international scientific meetings. He has published 2 textbooks. He served on the APTA Board of Directors and in the APTA House of Delegates and chaired the task force that developed APTA's Guide to Physical Therapist Practice . Dr Nelson has received numerous US Public Health Service awards and has been honored by APTA as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow. Mr President, McMillan lecturers of prior years, Board of Directors, fellow physical therapists, family, and friends, I want to thank you for this opportunity to share with you today my vision for the next evolution in the physical therapy profession (Figure). Figure. Dr Nelson presenting the 44th Mary McMillan Lecture. I would like to start off with a question for you. What is the …