A groundbreaking plan to jumpstart physical therapist research in health services and health policy is about to take a big step toward becoming a reality. The Foundation for Physical Therapy has announced that is has released its request for applications for a $2.5 million grant to create a “Center of Excellence” (COE) that would serve as a one-of-a-kind center focused on providing physical therapists with the training they need to expand the profession’s research portfolio into underrepresented areas.
The 5-year grant will be awarded to an institution or health systems network to create and oversee the Center of Excellence in Physical Therapy Health Services and Health Policy Research and Training, whose goal is to “develop sustainable research infrastructure and centralized resources to enhance interdisciplinary health services/health policy research by physical therapist scientists,” according to the request document.
In 2013, the Foundation raised $3 million, including a $1 million pledge from APTA and donations from more than 40 APTA components, to fund the COE and will continue to raise funds for this campaign.
To see the full press release and for additional information, please visit the Foundation for Physical Therapy website.