Jim Gordon, EdD, PT, FAPTA, began his journey in physical therapy as a clinician in the 1970s, where he quickly identified gaps in scientific knowledge that were limiting the effectiveness of treatments and practices. Driven to fill these evidence gaps, he pursued advanced degrees and joined the early movement to establish research-based knowledge in physical therapy. His dedication to evidence-based care shaped his career, positioning him at the forefront of clinical research and advancing the scientific knowledge and evidence base for the profession.

His research journey started at Columbia University, where he studied neuroscience, concentrating on motor control and neurological rehabilitation. Later, as a professor at the University of Southern California (USC), Gordon’s career reached a pivotal moment. In 2002, together with his colleague Carolee Winstein, PT, PhD, FAPTA, he secured a $1.5 million grant from the Foundation to establish a clinical research network (PTClinResNet).

This funding was matched with an additional $1.5 million from other sources, creating a powerful $3 million initiative that launched four large-scale randomized clinical trials. This initiative was transformative, shifting USC’s research program from a laboratory-based focus to a fully integrated clinical model, connecting universities and clinical sites nationwide.

The Foundation’s support had a profound impact on USC’s research program, enabling its investigators to conduct clinical research on a much larger scale for the first time. “It was transformative. We learned, we developed networks as part of this,” Gordon recalled. The grant’s impact extended beyond financial support, by fostering a professional network that propelled further projects and advancements.

Reflecting on how PTClinResNet contributed to the evolution of physical therapy research, Gordon noted that early in his career, research infrastructure in the field was lacking, with physical therapists often relying on research from related fields. However, he has since witnessed systemic change, with increased research evidence being produced and then integrated into practice. “The Foundation was instrumental in allowing us [USC] to create a much larger research enterprise focused on clinical research through their funding of the PTClinResNet,” he said.

PTClinResNet officially ended in 2007, when the Foundation funding ended. However, members of the group continued meeting for several years afterwards as the individual projects that were part of the network continued to evolve.

Looking forward, Gordon emphasizes the need to bridge what he sees as the gap between clinical practice and research knowledge. While research has made substantial strides in producing needed evidence to improve care, he believes there’s still a disconnect between what we are learning from research results and day-to-day clinical care. “Sometimes, people believe that researchers need to educate clinicians on the right way to do things. But I don’t think that’s the case.” Instead, he envisions a two-way exchange, where researchers can also learn from clinicians’ insights from practice and about the challenges they encounter. “There has to be a way in which our research infrastructure connects better to our clinical infrastructure,” he emphasized.

When asked about the most rewarding aspects of his career, Gordon highlighted the importance of challenging assumptions and the joy of mentorship: “There’s nothing more rewarding than realizing you were wrong about something and having to change the way you think.” This openness to being “proven wrong” has been key to his growth as a researcher. He is equally passionate about working with the next generation of researchers, describing mentorship as one of the most fulfilling parts of his career.

Throughout his career, Jim Gordon has not only witnessed the evolution of physical therapy research but has also played a significant role in shaping it. His work continues to inspire researchers and clinicians alike, underscoring the critical roles of inquiry, collaboration, and a willingness to rethink the status quo in advancing patient care.