Physical Therapy Student Essay Contest

The Journal of Humanities in Rehabilitation (JHR) advocates for the importance of the humanities, ethics, and professionalism in physical therapy education practice because excellent clinical practice requires the ability to make meaningful connections with patients and to make decisions in unclear or vulnerable circumstances.  To that aim, the JHR provides a forum for discussion of the art of physical therapy and the lived experience of patients, thereby creating a platform for sharing resources that focus on how to teach humanities, ethics, and professionalism in physical therapy education.

The American Counsel of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) joins the JHR to sponsor a judged writing competition designed to encourage deep thinking by students about the role and value of humanities, ethics and professionalism in academic training and professional life. The annual JHR/ACAPT Physical Therapy Student Essay Contest offers a creative opportunity to ignite critical reflection in students across the nation about ways in which approaching patient care in a holistic manner improves rehabilitation outcomes.

Past Contests

2025

Winning Essay: “The Young Doctor: One Day, Inshallah” by Katie M. Spencer, SPT

2024

Winning Essay: “At Capacity: How Physical Therapists Will Gain More by Doing Less” by Hannah Sy, PT, DPT

Finalist Essay: “The Necessity of Soul and the Role of AI in the Art of Rehabilitation” by Michaela Magpile, SPT

Finalist Essay: “Mirroring Each Other: Beyond AI’s Capability” by Caitlin Miller, SPT

2023

Winning Essay: ““The Classroom, Clinic, and Community: What Can We Do With All Three?”” by Mason Trauger, SPT

Finalist Essay: “The Case for Disability Justice in Physical Therapy Education and Practice” by Priyanka Bhakta, SPT

Finalist Essay: “Steps Toward Inclusion for Those Without Words” by Vanessa Lista, SPT

2022

Winning Essay: “Finding Voice and Vulnerability Through Virtual Learning” by Joseph C. Rivera, SPT

Finalist Essay: “Turn Your Cameras On” by Noah Watson, SPT

Finalist Essay: “Finding Balance: The Hidden Gift of Being Thrown Off-Course” by Bridget Graff, PT, DPT

2021

Winning Essay: “A Journey Toward Mindfulness by Kelsey Robinson, SPT

Finalist Essay: ““Do You Have the Coronavirus?”” by Henry Fok, SPT

Finalist Essay: “The Therapist-Advocate: Transcending Knowledge and Skill to Address Societal Needs” by Xavier Alexander Gibson, SPT

2020

Winning Essay: “Searching Behind No” by Bethany Shieh, SPT

Finalist Essay: “Pride, Prejudice, & Professionalism” by Grace White, SPT

Finalist Essay: “Beyond Words” by Amanda Kaufman, SPT

2019

Winning Essay:

“Goodbye, With Love” by Amanda Sharp, SPT

Finalist Essay:

“Beyond First Impressions” by Jake Raecker, SPT, CSCS

Finalist Essay:

“Out of Oxygen” by Mercedes Aguirre, SPT

2018

Winning Essay:

“Ms. Z” by Hayley Rieger, SPT

Finalist Essay:

“Commonality in Communication” by Becky Mercuro, SPT

Finalist Essay:

“Unlocking Inner Joy” by Mercedes Aguirre, SPT