Alumna Dr. Bethany Lukens selected as an APTA Emerging Leader

For the second year in a row, an alumna of the Physical Therapy Program received the Emerging Leader Award from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).  Honorees are selected for "making outstanding contributions to the field of physical therapy early in their careers.”  This year, Dr. Bethany Lukens (‘2013) received this prestigious national award from our professional organization.  The Oregon Physical Therapy Association nominated Dr. Lukens for this award for her legislative and advocacy efforts.  She was previously employed at Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland and is currently the Coordinator of Professional Practice Integrity at The Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawai’i. 

Faculty from our Physical Therapy Program are not the least bit surprised, in fact, this type of professional recognition was predicted!  During her time in our program, Dr. Lukens was selected to serve as a Student Usher at the APTA House of Delegates in 2012, received the 2013 Emerging Leader Award from the Oregon Physical Therapy Association, and received the 2013 Outstanding Graduate Award during graduation from the Physical Therapy Program.  Since graduating, Dr. Lukens has been very busy at the state and national levels increasing her influence and participation.  She currently serves as the current Chair of the OPTA Component Payment, a member of the OPTA Government Affairs Committee, and coordinated the inaugural OPTA Payment and Policy forum.  Many of other impressive examples of professional service and accomplishments can be found in the third quarterly report for the Oregon Log.  

Dr. Lukens (pictured left) added “It’s such an honor to receive this national award. I owe a great deal to the people that have supported me and mentored me throughout my professional career. I want to especially express gratitude for members of the OPTA Government Affairs Committee. They have opened my eyes to the importance of advocacy and service within our profession and the larger healthcare community.”

Please join us in congratulating alumna Dr. Bethany Lukens ('2013) on this wonderful national award!