This past year, Dr. Martha Eastlack and Dr. Phil McClure, assistant professor and professor and chair of Physical Therapy, respectively, were recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for their outstanding contributions to the field. Dr. McClure received the Paris Distinguished Service Award at the APTA conference in New Orleans on Feb. 23, while Dr. Eastlack received the Lucy Blair Service Award at APTA’s 2018 NEXT Conference and Exposition in Orlando, Florida on June 28.

The Lucy Blair award honors physical therapists for their “dedication, devotion and outstanding service” to APTA and is based on the results of an individual’s service rather than duration or continuity. Dr. Eastlack’s award-winning research primarily focuses on bone and muscle functionality, morphology, and performance, especially after injuries and in the elderly.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Dr. Eastlack serves as program chair for the APTA Section on Research. She is one of 17 recipients selected for the 2018 Lucy Blair Service Award.

One of the highest distinctions APTA offers, the Paris Award recognizes physical therapists within specialty divisions, with orthopedics among the largest. Dr. McClure’s research primarily focuses on the biomechanics of the shoulder, including scapular motion and rotator cuff disorders. His work has been instrumental in developing clinical guidelines for a classifications scheme now implemented in numerous large-scale studies. In addition, Dr. McClure has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and serves as the chair of APTA’s Shoulder Guideline Panel.

“You realize how much richer your professional life is when you’re involved in a program like this,” said Dr. McClure. “It was a reminder of the cliche that when you serve, you get more than you give.”