The University of Kentucky Physical Therapy Department within the College of Health Sciences is excited to celebrate the career of Dr. Susan Effgen as she retires, along with Dr. Patrick Kitzman, as he receives the Outstanding Advocacy in Neurologic Physical Therapy Award from APTA. 

Dr. Effgen has spent over 25 years consulting, researching, and publishing on issues related to children with disabilities in the United States and abroad. She received her BS in physical therapy from Boston University, her MMSc in pediatric physical therapy from Emory University and her PhD in special education from Georgia State University. She developed the first doctoral program in pediatric physical therapy in the United States.
She has worked with the American Physical Therapy Association for many years in governmental affairs activities, especially in efforts to refine the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. She had the honor of representing the APTA at the White House signing of the reauthorization of this important law.

Her contributions to the Physical Therapy field and our department within the College will live on, but she will be greatly missed. 

Patrick Kitzman, PT, PHD, professor within College of Health Sciences, will receive the Outstanding Advocacy in Neurologic Physical Therapy Award at APTA’s annual conference as well. This prestigious honor is given to those in the field of physical therapy who have made an extraordinary impact on advocacy for neurologic physical therapy.

Kitzman has committed his career to advocacy and selfless service through his work in physical therapy and with the Kentucky Appalachian Rural Rehabilitation Network (KARRN), which he established in 2008. KARRN’s collaborative team, spanning across Kentucky, has touched countless lives in their mission to empower communities impacted by disability.

To celebrate the retirement of Dr. Effgen, the award being received by Dr. Kitzman, and you, our alumni, we will be hosting a reception at APTA's Combined Section Meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2020 from 6pm-8pm at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in the Terrace Room. Please direct questions to Caroline Arthur, Director of Alumni Relations (phone: 859-218-0479).

RSVP here!