Physical therapy Professor Patrick Pabian was inducted as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice (NAP) in physical therapy. This interprofessional organization involving healthcare practitioners and scholars is dedicated to supporting affordable, accessible, coordinated quality healthcare for all.
The honor of Fellow is awarded to individuals with academic achievements such as significant and enduring educational and/or research contributions to the practice of their field. Fellows are judged by distinguished peers to have made significant and enduring contributions to their profession.
Pabian is the Division Chair of Physical Therapy and Associate Director of the School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy. As Division Chair he administrates the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, the UCF-Orlando Health Neurologic Residency, Anatomical Sciences Graduate Certificate, and the UCF Physical Therapy faculty practice. His Ph.D. in higher education concentrated on contemporary issues in graduate and professional education, with a special focus on interprofessional education and practice. He is a Fellow of the APTA Education Leadership Institute, and board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and sports physical therapy. He possesses an accomplished record of scholarly work and professional service, which includes the current position as the Chair of the Florida Board of Physical Therapy, Editorial Board Member for two journals, active reviewer for numerous national and international journals, and leader in numerous academic interprofessional education, research, and practice activities.
“Working with NAP allows us to fully develop and expand our application of interprofessional education, and network with high-caliber scholars and practitioners from various health care disciplines to advance professional education. I am honored to be recognized as a contributor to this very important work,” said Pabian.
Pabian was recognized during an induction ceremony as part of the NAP’s Annual Meeting & Forum on March 5 in San Diego.
Growing interprofessional education practices is a strategic goal for the College of Health Professions and Sciences. Pabian is helping to lead these efforts within his own discipline of physical therapy, as well as collaboratively, throughout the college.
“The honor of Fellow in the NAP is reflective of how Dr. Pabian is leading physical therapy education and helping to prepare healthcare professionals to work in patient-centered teams to advance health outcomes,” says Jeffrey Stout, director of the School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy. “This affiliation has such a positive benefit for our students.”
