Keynote theme: Social Responsibility in Physical Therapy: Are We There?
Keynote title: Social Responsibilities of a Profession from a Public Health Lens
Dr. Michael Blackwell, DVM, MPH, currently serves as the Director of the Program for Pet Health Equity at the University of Tennessee. He is the founder of AlignCare Health, a One Health interprofessional system to improve access to veterinary care, especially for families with limited means. He earned a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Tuskegee University. He also earned a Master of Public Health degree from Loma Linda University.
Previously, Dr. Blackwell served as:
- Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee
- Chief of Staff, Office of the Surgeon General of the United States
- Deputy Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration
- Chief Veterinary Officer, U.S. Public Health Service
During 23 years on active duty with the U.S. Public Health Service, he achieved the rank of Assistant Surgeon General and Rear Admiral. Dr. Blackwell has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and two Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medals. He is the 2020 recipient of the Avanzino Leadership Award and the 2021 recipient of the Senator John Melcher, DVM Leadership in Public Policy Award.
IGNITE speakers:
Karla Bell, PT, DPT, GCS, Associate Professor, Co-Director of Clinical Education, Department of Physical Therapy, Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Science, Thomas Jefferson University
Moyo B. Tillery PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy Education, Elon University
Kim Varnado, PT, DPT, DHSc, OCS, FAAOMPT, Program Director, Associate Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, College of Saint Mary
Panelists:
Michael Blackwell, DVM, MPH
Roger Herr, PT, MPA, APTA President, Vice President of Visiting Nurse Society in New York
Rupal M. Patel, PT, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University
Wendy Rheault, PT, PhD, FASAHP, FNAP, DipACLM, President and CEO, Professor of Physical Therapy, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science