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Eryn Carlisle Receives APTA Virginia Student Minority Scholarship Award
The Student Relations Committee would like to congratulate Eryn Carlisle on her receipt of the 2024 APTA Virginia Student Minority Scholarship Award. Eryn, a Doctorate of Physical Therapy student at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, embodies every aspect of a promising young professional. The purpose of the Student Minority Scholarship Award is to acknowledge and reward demonstrated participation in minority affairs activities & services, the potential for superior achievements in the profession of physical therapy, appropriate display of professionalism as a future physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, and academic excellence. Award applications are reviewed by the Student Relations Committee and the recipient is confirmed by the Chapter Board of Directors.
Eryn submitted a robust application with strong references that detailed her extensive volunteer contributions to minority affairs and high scholastic achievement in school. One of her goals, both inside and outside the classroom, has always been to serve as a role model for individuals who may not see themselves represented in the healthcare professions. For instance, she takes an active role in participating in Minority Women in Sports Medicine (MWISM). The non-profit organization is designed to assist with connecting current minority Physical Therapy and Athletic Training students with current practicing minority clinicians. The organization was designed to help foster connections and relationships among minority students and practicing providers. This provides a pathway for these current students to excel in their respective fields and ultimately assists with “leveling the playing field.”
Eryn's passion for leveling the playing field for minority women in the profession of both Athletic Training and Physical Therapy does not stop with MWISM but continues with her involvement as a representative for the Old Dominions Minority Student Alliance. During her time as a representative, she has had the opportunity to represent the ODU DPT program at career fairs/panels and assist with mentoring 1st and 2nd-year DPT students. In addition, she has presented and co-led the development of a one-credit BOC continuing education course on the “Overhead Athlete: Swimming.” She utilized this course to discuss and educate minority providers on how to treat and assess these athletes. This is important for minority providers to understand how to treat these athletes, as swimming is a sport that is concurrently working on improving diversity and representation.
The Student Relations Committee looks forward to what Eryn will bring to our profession and has no doubts that she will continue to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Congratulations, Eryn!
Eryn submitted a robust application with strong references that detailed her extensive volunteer contributions to minority affairs and high scholastic achievement in school. One of her goals, both inside and outside the classroom, has always been to serve as a role model for individuals who may not see themselves represented in the healthcare professions. For instance, she takes an active role in participating in Minority Women in Sports Medicine (MWISM). The non-profit organization is designed to assist with connecting current minority Physical Therapy and Athletic Training students with current practicing minority clinicians. The organization was designed to help foster connections and relationships among minority students and practicing providers. This provides a pathway for these current students to excel in their respective fields and ultimately assists with “leveling the playing field.”
Eryn's passion for leveling the playing field for minority women in the profession of both Athletic Training and Physical Therapy does not stop with MWISM but continues with her involvement as a representative for the Old Dominions Minority Student Alliance. During her time as a representative, she has had the opportunity to represent the ODU DPT program at career fairs/panels and assist with mentoring 1st and 2nd-year DPT students. In addition, she has presented and co-led the development of a one-credit BOC continuing education course on the “Overhead Athlete: Swimming.” She utilized this course to discuss and educate minority providers on how to treat and assess these athletes. This is important for minority providers to understand how to treat these athletes, as swimming is a sport that is concurrently working on improving diversity and representation.
The Student Relations Committee looks forward to what Eryn will bring to our profession and has no doubts that she will continue to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Congratulations, Eryn!