Virginia Little, PT, MS, NCS, received the Marylou Barnes-Patricia Leahy Award, given to an outstanding PODS I recipient for post-professional studies in neurology. This award is given in memory of American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Section on Neurology members and accomplished physical therapists: Marylou Barnes, PT, FAPTA, and Patricia Leahy, PT. Barnes was the founding director of the West Virginia University physical therapy program and served as chair of Georgia State University's program. During her terms, both programs achieved national recognition and made an impact on the profession as an educator and administrator. Leahy was a professor at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and was one of the first physical therapists ever to receive the Neurologic Certified Specialist (NCS) certification. This scholarship is generously supported by members of the Neurology Section through the Foundation's Neurology Endowment Fund.

William Thompson, DPT, was awarded the Viva J. Erickson Award, given to a PODS II recipient who displays extraordinary academic merit and leadership within their program of physical therapy. The award is generously funded by the Viva J. Erickson Fund established in 1995 in memory of this accomplished physical therapist and APTA leader.


Ericka Merriwether, DPT, was awarded the Laura K. Smith Award, which is awarded to a PODS I recipient who displays outstanding potential for doctoral studies. This scholarship is generously funded through the estate of Laura K. Smith, PT, FAPTA, a pioneer of many physical therapy education programs. Smith influenced the lives of many individuals within the profession as a clinician, educator and researcher whose work helped to set the standard for patient care.

The Foundation for Physical Therapy was established in 1979 as a national, independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality and delivery of physical therapy care by providing support for scientifically-based and clinically-relevant physical therapy research and doctoral scholarships and fellowships.

Contributions to the Foundation for Physical Therapy are tax-deductible and can be made online at www.FoundationforPhysicalTherapy.org or sent to its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The mailing address is PO Box 1017, Merrifield, VA, 22116-9767. For more information, e-mail foundation(at)apta.org or call 800/875-1378.

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