John Barr Receives APTA Award

Professor of Physical Therapy John Barr, PT, PhD, FAPTA, was recently named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Barr received the association's highest membership award based upon his enduring commitment to advocacy for the profession of physical therapy in the areas of clinical practice, research and education.

Barr was the founding director of the St. Ambrose Physical Therapy Department, which now administers entry-level professional and post-professional doctor of physical therapy programs, as well as an orthopedic clinical residency program. A former president of the Iowa Physical Therapy Association, Barr recently completed two terms as president of the 5000-member Section on Geriatrics of the APTA. His research and publications have focused on conservative pain management for older adults. Barr holds a bachelor's degree in physical therapy from State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, and master of arts' and doctoral degrees from The University of Iowa, Iowa City.

"Dr. Barr has a long history of service and leadership to our profession both on a national and state level," said Michael Puthoff, director of the St. Ambrose doctor of physical therapy program. "The Catherine Worthingham Fellow award recognizes John's hard work and dedication, and the Physical Therapy Department's entire staff and faculty are very proud of him."
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The St. Ambrose Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills to practice physical therapy in a variety of practice settings. The curriculum focuses on professional behaviors, clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice. Students explore specialty areas including cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, orthopedics, neuromuscular, pediatrics and sports physical therapy. Recent DPT graduates achieved a 100 percent employment and first time licensure pass rate. The orthopaedic clinical residency program is one of only 41 such residences in the country-and the only physical therapy residency program in the state of Iowa.