Physical Therapy professor earns highest membership category
Alvernia University Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education Pamela G. Unger, PT, CWS, has been named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This prestigious recognition is the highest membership category bestowed by the APTA and serves as inspiration for all physical therapists to attain professional excellence.
"I am deeply honored to be recognized as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow,” said Unger. “This distinction not only reflects my dedication to the field but also acknowledges the collective efforts of colleagues, students, and collaborators who have contributed to the advancement of physical therapy and wound management."
This designation serves as a testament to Unger's commitment to professional excellence, spanning nearly five decades of impactful service to the profession. Her multifaceted career includes leadership, advocacy, education, research, and clinical practice. Unger’s legislative advocacy and collaborative efforts with professional organizations have significantly influenced policies and standards for the practice of wound care for physical therapists.
"We are thrilled to see Dr. Unger receive this esteemed recognition,” said Senior Vice President and Provost Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D. “Her commitment to advancing the field of physical therapy aligns perfectly with Alvernia's mission of fostering excellence in education, service, and leadership."
Since joining Alvernia in 2019, Unger has developed the clinical education program through increasing the number of clinical sites and improving processes for every aspect of the program. She has contributed to instilling her passion for advocacy within Alvernia DPT students by introducing them to the APTA House of Delegates (HOD) and engaging them in legislative advocacy in Pennsylvania and in Washington, D.C.
“Dr. Unger’s body of work in promoting, advocating, educating, researching, consulting, and leading has resulted in advancing the practice of Physical Therapy and wound management across the healthcare continuum,” said Physical Therapy Chairperson Christopher Wise PT, DPT, Ph.D., OCS, FAAOMPT, MTC, ATC. “Her consistent efforts in moving our profession forward for nearly 50 years have changed policy and generated evidence-based standards that have influenced multiple generations of Physical Therapists and the individuals whom they serve.”
