Trini student tops award in physical therapy

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has adjudged Trinidadian scholar Paul Heath the Most Outstanding Physical Therapist student award winner for 2003. Heath received the award from the APTA student assembly, who presents the award annually to one student who demonstrates excellence in academic and clinical performance, leadership skills and community activities. A former Trinity College student, Heath is the son of Harold and Stella Heath, of Diamond Vale, Diego Martin. He obtained his Master’s degree in this year’s graduating class at Howard University, Washington DC, and has served as Vice President of the Class of 2003 of the University’s College of Allied Health Sciences. Heath also has the distinction of being the only student to present a paper at the third annual World Neurological Conference in Venice, Italy, titled “Traumatic Brain Injury and Acute Care Management.” Additionally, he has co-authored a research paper entitled “Health Knowledge and Beliefs of Caribbean Women Living Abroad and in North America,” which was published in the conference proceedings of the International Latino Women Congress Summit 2002.

Hailed as an academic standout and winning several scholarships, Heath was also a member of various councils and committees of the University and APTA. He is also developing a regional network of schools of physical therapy in Washington and surrounding areas to improve communication between programmes and to recognise students’ accomplishments. APTA President, Ben Massy Jr, stated that Heath’s academic leadership and dedication to the physical therapy profession made him deserving of this award. Massy Jr added that he expected Heath to make outstanding contributions to the field of physical therapy and to APTA as his career progressed.