Gail Bursch, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, recently received the Outstanding Service Award from the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association (TPTA).  The award recognizes dedication and hard work as demonstrated through extraordinary service, a distinctive role in the field of teaching, research or publishing, and outstanding contributions to the profession and health-related community organizations.

Dr. Baron Johnson, a physical therapist from Maryville, Tennessee who nominated Bursch for the award, commented on “the countless hours she has dedicated serving the profession of physical therapy and the Tennessee association.”  He added that, “her leadership example and dedication to the profession has influenced and challenged me to serve for many years.”   “This award recognizes the spirit of service we see each day in working with Gail,” said Dr. John Halle, Associate Dean in the Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences & Nursing and Program Chair of the Belmont University School of Physical Therapy.  “We’re happy for her and celebrate with her in receiving this award.”

Professor Bursch is Director of Clinical Education for the School of Physical Therapy.  She has served at Belmont since the University initiated a graduate program in PT in 1997.  Prior to coming to Belmont, Bursch was Administrative Director of Rehab Services at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville and started her professional career as a physical therapist at University of Kentucky Medical Center.  She earned a Bachelor of Health Science in Physical Therapy and a Master of Science in Education from University of Kentucky.  She is a licensed physical therapist and certified wound specialist and has supplemented her education with nearly two hundred continuing education opportunities.  She has been published with her research on Interrater Reliability of Diastasis Recti Abdominis Measurement, as well as with articles authored or coauthored in Volunteer Voice and Rehab Management.  She has made dozens of professional presentations and is an active member of the PT profession.