|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home Governance SIGS PTA SIG | Email | Print |
|
ASIG Directory
THE STEVEN KOLUMBAN AWARD
An award has been created by the PTA Special Interest Group, (PTA SIG) to recognize those assistants, who are members in the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, who have contributed to the betterment of physical therapy Steven Kolumban was a caring individual and teacher who passed away on June 4, 1993. Because of his dedication to the profession of Physical Therapy, the PTA SIG has chosen to honor him.
Steven Kolumban graduated from the University of Maryland and received his certificate in Physical Therapy from D.T. Watson in Pittsburgh in 1957. In 1959 he was asked by his church if he would be willing to do mission work in India. He discussed this with his new wife and very shortly thereafter, they moved to India.
While in India, Mr. Kolumban and his wife Barbara, an R.N., worked in two different settings. The first eleven years were spent at the Christian Medical College and Hospital. The majority of the patients seen suffered from complications related to Hansens Disease (Leprosy). Most of the facilities had been established but Steven took the initiative to develop the Prosthetics and Bracing department. In addition to enhancing functional mobility, Mr. Kolumban focused care on prevention of limb loss.
The Kolumban’s would come home on furloughs periodically to visit family and attend continuing education courses. In 1969 while he was visiting, Mr. Kolumban received his Masters in Physical Therapy from New York University. This enabled him to manage the Physical Therapy Department and head the Physical Therapy Technician School at the Schieffelin Leprosy Research and Training Center in India. Many of his students later came to the United States to pursue degrees in Physical Therapy.
After 24 years in India, the Kolumban’s came home to stay. They settled in Gettysburg, PA. Mr. Kolumban couldn’t get the “teaching bug” out of his system. In 1984 he started and directed the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Mont Alto Campus, Pennsylvania State University. He worked hard to maintain the school’s accreditation and ensure that his students received an education that was well rounded as well as fun. Annually, when the school year was over, Mr. Kolumban would go back to India for the summer.
He was scheduled to return to the country and people he loved in the Summer of 1993 when he passed away. In his memory, the PTA Special Interest Group would like to honor an assistant who gives to the profession and the community much like Steven Kolumban did. Someone, who is selfless of their time, their energy, and their love.
The PTA SIG is made up of PPTA members addressing Physical Therapist Assistant issues within the state of Pennsylvania. It is primarily made up of PTA’s but PT’s and students are also members. There are no additional dues to join the PTA SIG. By joining the PTA SIG you: become a voting member, receive our newsletters, help with generating topics for the Annual Conference, become eligible to run for a PTA SIG Office, elect an individual to become PA PTA Caucus Representative for the House of Delegates, and become a part of the voice for PTA’s in Pennsylvania. This is the only group that represents the PTA in the PPTA and has a representative at the PPTA Board of Director’s Meetings. Please, become a member.
STEVEN KOLUMBAN AWARD
PURPOSE:
To acknowledge a Physical Therapist Assistant member of the PPTA who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in clinical practice, community service, and personal commitment to Physical Therapy.
ELIGIBILITY:
• A nominee for the award must be a member of the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association.
• A member in good standing of the PTA Special Interest Group for two (2) years.
• An individual may receive the award only once in a three (3) year period.
• Members of the PTA SIG Executive Committee shall not be eligible for the award during their respective terms of service.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION:
Outstanding achievements in the practice of Physical Therapy and service to the Association are demonstrated by:
1. Professional contributions made to the PTA Special Interest Group, the American Physical Therapy Association, and the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association.
2. Community services and activities that enhance the quality of life and function.
3. Exemplifies and promotes the role of the Physical Therapist Assistant through education, practice, or research.
4. Research involvement/activities, publications.
5. Promotion of ethical standards and professional conduct among peers, patients, and students.
6. Professional development through continuing education; courses, workshops, in-services, etc.
7. Ability to inspire patients, peers, or students to perform at, or strive for achieving optimal potential—to be the best that they can be.
PROCEDURE FOR NOMINATION:
1. Nominations for the award may be submitted by any current member of the Association.
2. The nominations deadline is August 31.
3. The Nomination Letter should include reason for selection and a current copy of the resume/CV.
PRESENTATION:
1. The award will be presented during the Annual Conference of the PPTA. Selection for the award is not contingent upon attendance at the Banquet.
2. The award recipient will receive a plaque and recognition at the Annual Conference.
3. A permanent record of the recipients of the award will be kept by the PTA SIG Secretary on the PPTA Webpage.
4. A submission for the Chapter newsletter will be made by the PTA SIG Chair to indicate the award recipient and some information of the reason for nomination and information about the award.
revised 5.27.09
