INTRODUCTION All of we have learned about Polly Cerasoli's interests, aspirations, and expectations lead me to believe that she would want us always to be curious-that is, to examine how we use discovery to create new knowledge, new horizons, and new visions for physical therapy. During the 5 previous lectures in Polly's name, we examined the ways we think, and we believe about our professional work. In those 5 lectures, Katherine Shepard first implored us to create and model meaningfulncss in our practice1; Colleen Kigin then challenged us to have the courage to lead with empathy and optimism2; Beverly Schmoll inspired us to seek continuous improvement and growth as we pursue our professional missions3; laurie Hack helped us understand the specific behaviors that comprise virtuous practice4; and last year, Martha Ferrctti pushed us to sec how we can be leaders in the wider world of health care, which is now interdisciplinary and requires collaboration.5 Today I will be using 6 images that represent metaphors and similes that can facilitate that creative process. My goal is for you to have the joy of discovering at least one meaningful insight about yourself, your colleagues, your patients, or your profession-and to use this hour as a catalyst for change and growth. My first aim for today is to consider the methods by which discoveries are made, and to look at ways we discover new perspectives, new opportunities, and new knowledge. I think of discovery as a process that extends the boundaries of our understanding, stimulates innovation, and Improves our ability to meet our core missions. The question what did I learn? posed after each encounter with a patient or student, or in the face of any life dilemma,6 can yield important discoveries about oneself, the context in which we work, or the validity of assumptions we make. Discovery also may cause discomfort and dissonance in a world we like to sec as orderly, but actually is rife with uncertainty and ambiguity. Ultimately, however, discovery is a stimulus for change.7 My second aim is to consider the emotional requirements of involving ourselves in discovery. All of we have learned about Polly's energy and spirit lead me to believe that she would expect us to explore new territory and probe for new perspectives with the type of enthusiasm, excitement, and verve that produce true passion for understanding the dynamics of human health and behavior. Discovery should be an adventure, a celebration of the conditions that raise questions, and a joyful pursuit of new ways of learning, doing, and being. Discovery, therefore, has 2 facets: (1) the methods by which we find answers to vexing problems and (2) the emotion required to maintain a deep and enduring commitment to scientific and professional progress. Hence, the title of my presentation today: A Passion for Discovery. THREE IMAGES OF DISCOVERY To prepare for this address, I embarked on a search for useful metaphors or symbols to represent the power of discovery. I wanted any such metaphors to be apt for the purpose of describing the dynamic process of discovery, helpful to catch (and keep) your attention, and memorable as you leave the room. Three that I found apt for this purpose are: How coincidental that these 3 images, when taken literally, reflect important core aspects of human movement! The process of turning over a new leaf requires fine motor control and coordination; panning for gold requires balance and flexibility; and digging for treasure requires strength and endurance. In these ways, they are perfect representations of core aspects of physical therapy. They are active (which we like to be), they yield concrete outcomes (which we like to sec), and they use a variety of mediums (ie, air, water, and soil) to produce effects under uncertain or ambiguous conditions. Using these images, imagine that turning over leaves thai have lain flat and immobile reveals new perspectives; panning in streams flowing in the optimal direction and with the right speed can bring golden opportunities; and systematic digging and careful excavation can yield new and useful knowledge that supports our patients and our practice. …