It is with a profound sense of gratitude that the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research announces a generous bequest from long-time donor Isabelle “Boh” Bohman. Isabelle directed her bequest of over $140,000 to support research grants related to neurologic physical therapy.

Isabelle, who passed away at age 90 in 2020, was an avid supporter of the Foundation since the mid-1990s and was a member of APTA throughout her career. She was known as a passionate and renowned educator.

After earning her master’s degree from the University of Illinois, she furthered her education with a certificate in physical therapy from Northwestern University. Isabelle then worked for many years as assistant dean of the Physical Therapy School at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Later, she moved to the Pacific Northwest and spent the rest of her career traveling and teaching between Tacoma and El Paso. She focused mostly on management of stroke and head injury patients in hospital settings where she loved teaching and working with patients.

Isabelle was active in the physical therapy community. She was appointed to APTA’s House of Delegates in 1968 and was elected to the Nominating Committee from July 1977-June1980. She also abstracted research articles for publication in APTA’s Physical Therapy Journal, led scientific research panel discussions at annual conferences, and was a member of the Washington chapter, Neurology section, Pediatrics section, and Section for Education (now the Academy of Education) section.

In her personal time, she was an outdoor enthusiast often found in any number of national parks. She was a kind and independent woman who had passions for traveling the world, volunteering at local hospitals, finding joy giving to others, and learning wherever and whatever she could.

Her bequest will advance the Foundation’s ability to fund grants ensuring her name and legacy live on. If, like Isabelle, you’re interested in leaving a legacy by contributing to the future of the profession, or if you’re interested in planned giving in general, more information is available here.