Merit Award

PURPOSE: 

To recognize an individual who has contributed to the advancement, knowledge, and/or recognition of the Academy of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Physical Therapy. Such contribution may be defined as: 

1. practice, which includes excellence in patient/client care, clinical accomplishments, in addition to efforts in securing favorable legislation governing clinical practice and reimbursement; and/or
2. scholarship, which includes teaching (patient, clinical, continuing education, academic), or research, and/or authorship (book, journal, editorial board); and/or
3. service, which includes contributions on behalf of the Academy through one’s membership and substantial involvement in support of the Academy.

CRITERIA: 

The nominee must be a member in good standing of the Academy of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Physical Therapy at the time of the nomination. Individuals in all APTA membership categories are eligible with the exception of those who are classified as “Student,” “Honorary” or “Retired.” 

Award criteria are divided into specific categories (Practice, Scholarship, or Service) and are described below. A nominee must fulfill the required criteria in at least one category to be considered for the award.  Please provide specific evidence for at least one of the award criteria categories below and include in your nomination letter:

Practice 

1. Required: Evidence of a minimum of five years of clinical practice in the area of cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy
2. Required: Evidence of clinical recognition by patient/family, peer, and/or employer
3. Suggested: Board Certification as a Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Clinical Specialist
4. Suggested: Evidence of legislative efforts governing practice and/or efforts to support payment for cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy services 

Scholarship 

1. Required: Evidence of extensive patient, clinical, and/or academic teaching
2. Suggested: Participation as faculty in continuing education conferences sponsored by the Academy
3. Suggested: Formal invited presentations as an Academy representative
4. Suggested: Research or program development advancing the knowledge of cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy.
5. Suggested: Published author of research, book, chapters; or service in an editorial capacity for peer review journal supporting cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy. 

Service 

1. Required: Evidence of Academy committee, task force, and/or officer participation
2. Suggested: Evidence of other contributions of service to the Academy of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Physical Therapy
3. Suggested: Evidence of liaison activities with other professional groups on behalf of the Academy of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Physical Therapy