![[Left] Dr. Stephanie (Fecteau) Smith, [Center] Dr. Mary Beth Geiser, and [Right] Dr. Dale Gerke](https://blog.cuw.edu/wp-content/uploads/physical_therapy_awards-300x200.jpg)
[Left] Dr. Stephanie (Fecteau) Smith, [Center] Dr. Mary Beth Geiser, and [Right] Dr. Dale Gerke
Two faculty members and an alumna of Concordia University Wisconsin won awards at the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association Spring Conference Awards Dinner, held April 14 in Middleton.
Dr. Dale Gerke, Dr. Mary Beth Geiser and Dr. Stephanie (Fecteau) Smith, were the CUW representatives honored.
Smith, PT, DPT, a 2013 graduate of Concordia’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, took home the WPTA Rookie of the Year award, which recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the physical therapy profession in the areas of clinical practice or service within three years of graduation.
She is currently employed by Integra Physical Therapy in the setting of outpatient orthopedics.
Her skills, along with her ability to create a strong therapeutic relationship with her patients, has resulted in praise from both her patients and her colleagues, according to a WPTA spokesperson.
Concordia’s director of Orthopedic Residency program, Dale Gerke, PT, MPT, ScD, OCS, COMT, received the Mentor of the Year Award. The award seeks to recognize an individual who has influenced and nurtured the development of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.
Gerke brings both his passion for providing high-quality patient care and his passion for providing meaningful learning experiences to his residents and students. He is currently participating in a manual therapy fellowship, demonstrating to his students the value of continuing to learn throughout one’s life and career.
Mary Beth Geiser, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, received the Award for Clinical Excellence, given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the physical therapy profession in the area of clinical practice.
Geiser, an adjunct professor at Concordia, as well as Marquette University, is employed at Aurora Sports Medicine Institute as a senior physical therapist. She demonstrates a strong desire to further the science of physical therapy by participating in research and contributing to scientific publications. She is recognized as a leading expert in chronic pain management.
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