Known for her textbook, Kinesiology: The Mechanics and Pathomechanics of Human Movement, Dr. Oatis’ research focuses on the functional deficits associated with knee osteoarthritis. In 1982, she earned her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where she still resides. She served as ARHP president in 2005. She works closely with the Arthritis Foundation and the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative and contributed to various ACR, ARHP and Rheumatology Research Foundation committees.
As the science of physical therapy (PT) has evolved over the last 25 years, the challenge is to make sure PT students get enough rheumatology content while they get so many other areas, as the practice expands. —Dr. Oatis
Q: Your award, named after ARHP’s first board president, honors volunteers involved in local, regional and national arthritis-related activities. What does that mean to you?
A: It is extremely gratifying and humbling. To be recognized by my friends and peers, as someone who has given back, I really appreciate it. But I have gotten back more than I have given. It has been wonderful to work with colleagues in ARHP and ACR. That has really been a gift. So to be recognized for this gift I received is really wonderful.
Q: What about rheumatology keeps you so engaged?
A: ARHP has really helped keep me engaged. Patients are engaging, and the science is engaging. The association has been a marvelous place to develop—partly because it is inter-disciplinary … an approach that has been meaningful to me since the start of my career. The ARHP and ACR really manifest that approach, too.
Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?
A: As the science of physical therapy (PT) has evolved over the last 25 years, the challenge is to make sure PT students get enough rheumatology content while they get so many other areas, as the practice expands. The other huge challenge is balancing education and research, and getting the funding to do the research.
Q: What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
A: Watching PT students grow into fine clinicians, caring clinicians and some researchers, I have had the opportunity to bring lots of PT students to ARHP meetings to present our research. It’s been a joy to see them participate as colleagues and have the opportunity to participate in this inter-professional organization. They always come away excited about the research but more excited about the collegial relationships they find at the ACR.
