Shirley A Sahrmann has been recognized as a distinguished leader in physical therapy for more than 30 years. The scope of Dr Sahrmann's contributions to physical therapy encompasses clinical practice, research, education, and administrative activities. Dr Sahrmann's commitment to the development of classification schemes for patients with chronic pain and to systematizing the selection of interventions so that outcomes can be more easily measured has formed the groundwork for a new approach to practice. This approach is rooted in the sciences of anatomy, kinesiology, and neurology and emphasizes prevention, effective patient education, and sound clinical decision making. Dr Sahrmann has sewed APTA in appointed and elected offices at the national and component levels, and has been a vocal and influential supporter of the Foundation for Physical Therapy since its inception. She has been recognized by APTA at the national level with the Lucy Blair Service Award, the Marian Williams Research Award, election as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow, selection as the first John HP Maley Lecturer, and the Henry O and Florence P Kendall Practice Award. She has also been the recipient of the Missouri Physical Therapy;Association's Outstanding Service Award for Research, the Washington University Program in Physical Therapy Alumni Award, and Washington University's Distinguished Faculty Award.
