Rachel Prusynski, DPT, PhD, NCS, an assistant professor in the University of Washington’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, has been honored as this year’s Physical Therapist of the Year by the Washington chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This prestigious award is given annually to a physical therapist who has gone above and beyond in their support of APTA’s goals and objectives, demonstrating exceptional participation and leadership.
Dr. Prusynski’s journey in physical therapy began in 2012 after she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound. In her early career, she worked in acute care, where she became a board-certified neurologic physical therapist in 2017. Her passion for helping underserved communities was evident in her work with Providence Elderplace, where she provided comprehensive care to low-income older adults. Alongside her clinical work, Dr. Prusynski pursued a PhD in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Washington.
Her dedication extends beyond her local community. For over a decade, Dr. Prusynski has been involved in fundraising and providing hands-on training in Haiti. She has made numerous trips to the country, training physical therapy aides and nursing students in post-stroke rehabilitation and mobility, helping to improve care in underserved regions.
Dr. Prusynski's contributions to the APTA and APTA Washington are equally impressive. She has served on the national board of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Stroke Special Interest Group, contributed as an NCS exam question writer, and chaired the Research Committee for the Academy of Leadership & Innovation. As a Washington delegate to the APTA House of Delegates for six years, her insights have significantly shaped discussions on critical issues affecting physical therapy practice nationwide.
Currently, Dr. Prusynski is teaches in the UW Doctor of Physical Therapy program, where her research focuses on the intersection of health policy, reimbursement, and rehabilitation practice. Notably, she played a key role in developing APTA’s landmark report, "The Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the United States," which has had a profound impact on understanding the benefits of physical therapy within the healthcare system.
Dr. Prusynski’s dedication to the profession and her contributions to physical therapy research, policy, and practice make her a deserving recipient of the Physical Therapist of the Year award.
Congratulations, Rachel, and thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to advancing the field of physical therapy.