DAVENPORT — Professor of Physical Therapy John Barr was recently named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Barr received the association’s highest membership award based upon his enduring commitment to advocacy for the profession of physical therapy in the areas of clinical practice, research and education.
Barr was the founding director of the St. Ambrose Physical Therapy Department, which now administers entry-level professional and post-professional doctor of physical therapy programs, as well as an orthopedic clinical residency program.
A former president of the Iowa Physical Therapy Association, Barr recently completed two terms as president of the 5,000-member Section on Geriatrics of the APTA.
“Dr. Barr has a long history of service and leadership to our profession both on a national and state level,” said Michael Puthoff, director of the St. Ambrose doctor of physical therapy program. “The Catherine Worthingham Fellow award recognizes John’s hard work and dedication, and the Physical Therapy Department’s entire staff and faculty are very proud of our colleague.”
Through APTA’s Iowa Chapter, Barr has advocated for direct access to physical therapy services. He formed the Iowa Physical Therapy Foundation, serving as its president from 1986-93. Barr established the Iowa Physical Therapy Student Scholarship program; worked as a research health science specialist and geriatric evaluation unit physical therapist at Veterans Administration Medical Center, Iowa City; and has served as lecturer and part-time staff physical therapist at the University of Iowa. Barr holds a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, and master of arts and doctoral degrees from The University of Iowa.
