Awards and Honors

APTA Oregon Awards Submissions

Each year at the Annual Conference, we take the opportunity to recognize those in our profession that have provided outstanding services to the profession of physical therapy. APTA Oregon has three awards that honor people that have gone the extra mile, the Mercedes Weiss Service Award, the Ricci Susick Advocacy Award, and the Distinguished Service Award. We also recognize PTs or PTAs living in Oregon who have made a positive impact in their community, workplace, or within APTA Oregon with the Regional Excellence Awards.

These nominations should be completed by Monday, August 28th, 2023.   NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Want to congratulate the winners of the 2023 APTA Oregon Awards?
Join us at the 2023 Fall Business Meeting at French Prairie Farms on Saturday, September 30, 2023. More more information, click here.

 Want to Learn More?

Click on the awards below for direct links to more information.

Mercedes Weiss Service Award

The Mercedes Weiss Service Award was established in 1976 to publicly acknowledge the outstanding contribution of members of the profession.  Eligibility requirements for the Mercedes Weiss Service Award are as follows:

The candidate shall have made significant contribution to the advancement of one or more of the following areas:

1. Clinical Practice: such as innovations in treatment techniques, patient aids, standards of practice.
2. Education: such as program development or modification, educational skills and techniques, continuing education.
3. Administration: such as staff development, successful administrative innovations.
4. Research: such as basic or clinical research, development and implementation of research models, the promotion of research over a broad base.
5. Practice Management: such as legislative issues, reimbursement, quality assurance, etc.

Other areas which may not be included in 1 through 5 but which have significantly affected the practice of physical therapy.
1. The candidate is a member of APTA Oregon and has been a member for no less than five years.
2. Members of the Selection Committee (APTA Oregon Board of Directors) are not eligible for the award.

Past Recipients of the Mercedes Weiss Award

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award was first given in 1988.  Eligibility requirements for APTA Oregon Distinguished Service Award are:

1. The candidate shall have made a distinguished contribution of time, energy or expertise toward furthering the goals of APTA Oregon and for the benefit of its members. 
2. The candidate need not be a member of the physical therapy profession or APTA Oregon.
3. Members of the Selection Committee (Chapter Vice President and Members-at-Large) are not eligible for the award.
4. List the APTA Oregon/APTA offices held, awards received, committee(s) served on when submitting your supporting statement.

Past Recipients of the Distinguished Service Award

Ricci Susick Advocacy Award

1. Advocacy at the local, state or national level, resulting in significant benefit to the physical therapy profession.
2. Mentorship, furthering the profession through the development and mentoring of others who are passionate about advancing physical therapy.

Past Recipients of the Ricci Susick Advocacy Award

2021 - Jeannie Thompson, PTA

Regional Awards

Regional Awards are given to recognize a PT or PTA living in Oregon who has made a positive impact in their community, workplace, or within APTA-Oregon. See list below on previously recognized counties for the Regional Awards. Please refer to this list and state the county in which your candidates practices within when completing the 2023 Nomination form.

• Central (Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, Klamath, Deschutes, Jefferson, Wasco, Sherman)
• East (Morrow, Grant, Harney, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Baker, Malheur)
• Southwest (Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine, Jackson)
• Northwest (Clatsop, Tillamook, Yamhill, Polk, Marion, Lincoln, Benton, Linn)
• Portland Area (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Columbia, Hood River)

Congratulations to the Emerging Student Leaders

Each year the Delegates select one PT student and one PTA student to become part of the delegation to the House of Delegates.  These students are fully engaged in the process of reviewing motions for the House and candidates for national office.  They are also funded to attend the House.

2022 Winners
SPTA Award - Jose Linares Ochoa, SPTA
SPT Award -  Morgan Clark, SPT

To view more information regarding the Emerging Student Leadership award, click here.

A colleague's formal recognition of a job well done is one of the greatest compliments a professional can receive.
To view past  APTA Oregon award winners before 2022, click here.