Colorado Chapter Outstanding PT for 2005

Webster’s dictionary defines passion as “any emotion or feeling, [such] as love, desire, anger, ... fear, ... joy, [or] hope, ... especially one of a powerful or compelling nature.” This definition describes the way the 2005 Colorado Physical Therapist lives his personal and professional life.

As we all know, it takes a certain level of dedication and desire to successfully complete the education required to enter the profession of physical therapy. This therapist demonstrated that dedication, completing the physical therapy program at State University of New York in 1979. Even as a PT student, this therapist’s enthusiasm was evidenced by receiving an award for his student research project. Through the years, his passionate desire for knowledge has prompted him to continue his education with numerous professional development courses. He has been certified as a practitioner of Cyriax Orthopaedic Techniques, and is a Certified Teaching Fellow of the Society of Orthopaedic Medicine. Additionally, he has furthered his formal education with a Master of Science degree in Public Health and is currently working toward a Doctoral degree in Health and Behavioral Science. 

Another aspect of passion is joy. This is something that must have been experienced by this therapist in order for him to continue practicing physical therapy for more than 25 years and be able to share his knowledge and experience with others. Starting at least as early as 1982, this PT began presenting clinically relevant information, teaching therapeutic techniques and providing astute professional insights at conferences and continuing education seminars. He brings this passionate joy in his profession to his teaching in the DPT program at Regis University where he is the resident expert in the areas of health care ethics and health policy.

This strong knowledge base in health care ethics and policy is combined with a healthy level of fear regarding what could happen to the profession of physical therapy without a politically active organization. To that end, this PT has brought his passion to many volunteer positions within the APTA, at both the national and state levels. He is a member of the Health Policy, Education, and Neurology Sections, and has held the following APTA positions:

~ Nominating Committee-HPS section 2005-2007
~ Colorado at large member to House of Delegates- 2005-06
~ Board of Trustees,  APTA PT-PAC July 1, 2003-2006
~ Chair, Board of Trustees,  APTA PT-PAC July 1, 2004-2005
~ Federal Affairs Liaison, Colorado Chapter APTA. February, 2002- present
~ Government Affairs Committee-, Colorado Chapter APTA 2002- present
~ Worker's Compensation PPO Task Force- 1992-93
~ Strategic Plan Committee- May 1987
~ Competencies Task Force Chairman - 1984-1986
~ Clinical Educators Forum Chair - 1983-1984
~ Physical Therapy Assistant School Committee – 1988

While many therapists have developed their skills in treating brain injuries, this therapist has accomplished that and has taken the next step to advocate for measures to prevent their occurrence. Perhaps it is passionate anger at the loss of productive lives that drives his work in this area. Not only has he testified at the state level for motorcycle helmet laws but he has also presented and continues to direct research to study the issue of helmet use among skiers and snowboarders.

Outside the PT and health care arena, this therapist’s passion extends toward those who may be less fortunate than himself. A co-worker stated, “his strong political beliefs focus on being the voice for those unable to speak for themselves, (indigent, single moms, disabled) ... you name it and if the cause is right, [he] will be at the lead to speak up for others.” Additionally, he has a passionate love of his wife and daughters. And he has to have passion to continue playing ice hockey despite suffering his share of injuries over the last several years.

Perhaps the word from the definition of passion that is most evident in this therapist is hope. Passionate hope for a better world drives him to pursue excellence in his own career, to advocate for the advancement of his profession, and to share his understanding of complex issues and clinical skills with a multitude of course attendees and PT students. Though his name may not be in Webster’s dictionary as synonymous with the term  passionate, the powerful and compelling feeling and emotion he brings to all aspects of his life make Ira Gorman the definition of passion. 

Congratulations, Ira Gorman, on receiving the 2005 Colorado Outstanding Physical Therapist Award.

Shown with a proud Daddy are Ira Gorman's daughters who attended the ceremony.

 

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