|
Colorado Chapter
Outstanding PT for 2007
–
Patty Pennell, PT –
Like
previous recipients of this award, this individual leads by
example. This Denver native obtained her geology degree while
her identical twin pursued other interests. After working
as a geologist for six years, she changed
course and followed her passion into physical therapy graduating
from UCDHSC in its first master's class in 1992. She opened
her own clinic a mere five years later which then expanded into
two sites.
Apparently
feeling she wasn't busy enough, she entered the doctor of
science program at Texas Tech University and will be defending
her dissertation in early 2008. She also is one of the founding
members of the Physical Therapy Alliance of Colorado- a small
group of private practitioners dedicated to the
promotion and
advancement of high quality physical therapy in the greater
metro area.
Within the
Chapter she has chaired the Private Practice SIG, increasing its
profile and relevance in the public relations and legislative
arenas with such activities as the Free Evaluation Day during
National PT month the past three Octobers and organizing its membership in letter writing campaigns and testimony with
legislators and rules makers. Being a SIG chair has made her a
member of the board of directors where she contributes greatly
with her unique insights and levelheaded nature.
Somehow, she
has managed to make herself available for testimony at state
workers compensation hearings and governmental affairs meetings
working around her schedule as an affiliate faculty member at
Regis. Her husband Tim and their two dogs must be very tolerant
of this individual's untiring dedication to her work and this
profession and the time it takes to be so committed.
Additionally, she was instrumental in working on the
Reimbursement Committee putting together the first ever
Insurance Forum where representatives from
area health insurance companies were invited to learn more about
the value of physical therapy, what we do and what they are
paying for when they reimburse us.
Throughout it all, I have
enjoyed this person's wry wit and unflagging sense of humor and
perspective that make her such a wonderful asset and addition to
the "physical therapy family". This individual is respected and
liked not only by her peers and colleagues within the medical
community, but also by the patients she is dedicated to
serving. These are a few of the highlighted reasons, among many
less tangible ones, that make it my privilege to announce that
this year's recipient of the Outstanding Physical Therapist
Award is (soon to be "doctor") Patty Pennell.
-- Presented
by Greg McCall, PT
President, APTA / Colorado Chapter
|