2016 alumnus named board member of Foundation for Physical Therapy Research

Jimmy McKay, a graduate of Marymount University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, has been named a member of the Board of Trustees for the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research (FPTR), a national nonprofit that funds physical therapy research and researchers.
 
He will hold a three-year term on the board, which includes 13 other members, and officially begin his duties on January 1, 2021.
 
McKay pivoted to a career in physical therapy after 15 years in broadcasting and marketing. During his time as a Marymount doctoral student, he focused his studies on orthopedics and pediatrics while serving as Class President and a faculty graduate assistant. He earned his degree in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitative Medicine in 2016.
 
“Marymount was an environment that made me feel safe to explore connecting two worlds that aren’t usually related,” McKay explained. “They supported me when I didn’t realize where I would fit in the profession of physical therapy by challenging and guiding me through the learning process – that’s what a good teacher does. Many of the faculty are still doing that for me, but now I get to call them friends and colleagues.”
 
“Jimmy was incredibly unique, passionate and driven. As a student in the DPT program, he created a synergy between two seemingly disparate fields – communications and physical therapy,” said Dr. Skye Donovan, Professor and Chair of Marymount’s Physical Therapy program. “His ability to innovate and think outside of the box is taking not only his career but our entire profession in new and exciting directions.”
 
While at Marymount, McKay connected with FPTR as a student participant of the Marquette Challenge, an annual event in which PT and PTA students raise money for physical therapy research. Today, McKay is the host of several podcasts – including “PT Pintcast” – and is the Director of Communications for Fox Rehabilitation. In addition to being a familiar voice to many in the physical therapy community, McKay has served as emcee for several FPTR galas.
 
“I’m honored to be a part of the tradition of this organization and to help in any way that I can to bring us into the next centennial of physical therapy,” McKay said. “The opportunities that are in front of FPTR will be driven by physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who are hungry for more research within the profession and implementation of research into practice, and that is the true mission behind the foundation.”
 
“Our work wouldn’t be possible without the active volunteers who serve on our board,” added Barbara Malm, the CEO of FPTR. “Jimmy brings expertise and a spirit of community that is integral to our mission. We look forward to working with him as we continue to grow and meet emerging needs in the profession.”
 
Click here to view the full press release on FPTR’s website.