FOUNDATION FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY RELEASES REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS FOR CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH SERVICES/HEALTH POLICY RESEARCH AND TRAINING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALEXANDRIA, VA (April 11, 2014) – The Foundation for Physical Therapy announced today that it is accepting letters of intent to apply for funding from the Center of Excellence in Physical Therapy Health Services and Health Policy Research and Training (COE) until June 30. Institutions and health systems networks are encouraged to apply through the Foundation’s website.

The COE is a ground-breaking initiative that aims to expand the number of physical therapist investigators trained in health services/health policy research—including the delivery, organization, and financing of care, and analysis of outcomes.

The Foundation will award a $2.5 million grant to the most qualified applicant to launch and manage the COE. An ad hoc Scientific Review Committee with expertise in health services/health policy research will review the applications, and the Board of Trustees anticipates awarding the grant in 2015.

“We are extremely pleased that we have opened the letter of intent to apply process for the Center of Excellence grant,” said Foundation Board of Trustees President William G. Boissonnault, PT, DPT, DHSc, FAPTA, FAAOMPT. “The COE will provide the skills and training to a whole new generation of physical therapists who will produce research that identifies the most efficacious and effective ways to provide high quality care for our patients.”

The Foundation will accept Letters of Intent to Apply up to June 30, 2014. The full application deadline is September 30th, 2014. All institutions that submit a Letter of Intent to Apply will be eligible to submit a full application. Complete instructions as to the process of submitting a Letter of Intent to Apply and the full application are available on the Foundation’s website.

In 2013, the Foundation raised $3 million, including a $1 million pledge from APTA and donations from over 40 APTA components, to fund the COE. The Foundation is continuing to raise funds for this campaign up to APTA’s “Next” Conference in June, in order to secure additional dollars in order to expand its ability to offer grants and scholarships in health services and health policy research.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response to the COE from our donors and supporters who are eager to access health services data immediately,” added Boissonnault. “Along with our commitment to continue funding clinical research and fund the COE, the Foundation’s goal is to also offer scholarships and grants to physical therapists interested in a career in health services /health policy research. We look forward to working with those organizations, institutions, and individuals who are eager to join our efforts.”

The Foundation for Physical Therapy was established in 1979 as a national, independent nonprofit organization to fund physical therapy research to optimize health and movement. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $17 million in research grants, fellowships and scholarships. Many of today’s leading physical therapy researchers, clinicians, and academicians began their careers with this support. Foundation-funded researchers have gone on to secure more than $824 million in follow-on funding.

To donate or learn more, visit www.Foundation4pt.org or call 800/875-13678.

###