About Us
Who is the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy?
Our association consists of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants managing the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary and cardiopulmonary rehabilitative needs of patients resulting from the treatment of active cancer disease. This encompasses acute secondary sequelae of cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy as well as long-term secondary sequelae of treatments and palliative care.
The Mission and Vision of the Academy of Oncologic PT
The mission of the Academy of Oncologic PT is to advance physical therapist practice for persons affected by cancer and chronic illness by maximizing movement and wellness across the lifespan.
Our vision is to optimize movement and quality of life of individuals impacted by cancer and chronic illness. We envision a society where:
- Physical therapists are recognized as practitioners of choice in cancer and HIV rehabilitation.
- Patients have unencumbered access to physical therapist services.
- An abundance of rigorous research informs clinical practice.
- Entry-level practitioners possess a foundational knowledge of oncology rehabilitation.
- Physical therapists are valued as integral partners of the inter-professional oncologic team.
- Culturally diverse physical therapists in cancer and HIV rehabilitation meet the needs of patients in a culturally affirming manner.
- Board-certified physical therapists expand the body of knowledge and advance oncologic practice.
- The Academy collaborates with inter-professional coalitions to advance best practice in cancer and HIV rehabilitation throughout the lifespan.
Executive Board
Chris Wilson
Vice President
Oakland University
Chesterfield, MI
Steve Wechsler
Secretary
Boston, MA
Sharlynn Tuohy
Treasurer
PT, DPT, MBA
New York, NY
Laura Sheridan
President Elect
PT, DPT, Chair
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY
Tiffany Kendig
Member At Large
PT, DPT, MPH, Certified Lymphedema Therapist
(CLT)
Kessler Rehabilitation Center
Syosset, NY
Emil Berengut
Nominating Committee Chair
PT, DPT, MSW, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
New York, NY
Nancy Paddison
Nominating & Awards
PTA, BA, LANA, Certified in Lymphedema Management
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
Kimberly Presson
Nominating & Awards
PT, DPT
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
Special Interest Groups
Sara Pullen, DPT, MPH
HIV Disease
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Barbara Wagner, PT, DPT, MHA
Hospice & Palliative Care
Lesli Bell, PT
Lymphedema
Winooski, VT
Lynn Tanner, PT
Oncologic Balance & Falls
Hallie Lenker, PT
Pediatric
Committees
Education
Frannie Westlake, PT, DPT, NCS
CSM Programming
Jet Lee, PT, PhD
Regional Courses
Taryne Thomas, PT
Specialization
Specialty Council Chair
Amy Litterini, PT, DPT
Research
Chair: Melissa Eden, PT, DPT
Shana Erin Harrington, PT, PhD
Mary Fisher, PT, MSPT, PhD
Mary Lou Galantino, PT, PhD, MSCE
Laura Gilchrist, PT, PhD
Elizabeth Sue Hile, PT, PhD
Tori Marchese, PT, PhD
Kiri Ness, PT, PhD
Bryan Spinelli, PT, MS
Editor, Rehabilitation Oncology
Mary Fisher, PT, MSPT, PhD
Senior Editor
Laura Gilchrist, PT, PhD
Outreach
Steve Wechsler, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist
Chair
Public Relations
VACANT
Publications
Maggie Rinehart-Ayres, PT, PhD
Ambler, PA
Social Media
Shai Sewell, PT, DPT, CLT
Miami, FL
WCPT
Ann Newstead, PT, DPT, PhD, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
MEMBER ENGAGEMENT/LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Scott Capozza, PT, MSPT
Advocacy
Practice
Tiffany Kendig, PT, DPT, MPH
Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)
Legislative & Payment
Jena Colon, PT
Executive Director
Suzie Callan
info@oncologypt.org
202-660-4460
140B Purcellville Gateway Dr.
Suite 120
Purcellville, VA 20132
Why should you join the Academy of Oncologic PT?
As a partner of the Academy of Oncologic PT, you will become eligible for a variety of benefits such as:
Evidence-based research, an electronic subscription to "Rehabilitation Oncology", free SIG membership options, access to members only pages, and more.
Clinical Research Grants
Are you up on the latest Oncology Physical Therapy research or are you just starting out? New and experienced Academy members can make valuable contributions.
Clinical Internship Opportunities
This list of clinical sites is provided as a service to Academy Members.
Host a Regional Course in Your Area
The Academy of Oncologic PT, APTA has several course offerings looking for partners to host. The host facility will be chosen based on the guarantee that they can draw a minimum of 20 registrants.
Academy Member Awards
Know of a PT/PTA professional needing recognition? Here is the place to find out about our Member Awards.
Join the Academy ListServ
The Academy's General Listerv is a very productive messaging system for answering your practice questions. In addition, we maintain specialized listservs for our special interest groups.
Resource Guide for Specialization
This document, prepared by the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy, is designed to help you in your preparation for the specialist examination.
OncoReads
OncoReads allows you to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the comfort of your own home or office. Begin earning today!
Partners Program
Any PT/PTA living in a country other than the US who is not eligible for membership in APTA can take advantage of our membership benefits by becoming a Partner of the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy.
Look Inside the Oncology Toolbox
What's in your Physical Therapy Bag of Tricks? Find more and contribute some.
Sign Up to Become a Volunteer
This Academy survives and thrives on it's exceptional line of volunteers. From experienced to clincians; if you want to be a leader, we have a position.