The Michigan Delegation to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) House of Delegates voted to elect Wayne State University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student Abby Skallerud as its student liaison for 2020. She will represent Michigan physical therapy students at state and national delegation meetings, and she will also serve as a link for communication between students and the delegation.

Skallerud was chosen from a field of nine highly qualified physical therapy students from across Michigan for her involvement in advocacy at the state and program levels, and her ideas for strengthening the association.

"I am considered a 'second career' student with a background in political science, dance and personal training," Skallerud said. "Since entering physical therapy school, I knew that I wanted to find a way to integrate my love for political processes, policy creation and current events into promoting my new profession in physical therapy."

The House of Delegates is an APTA policy-making body comprised of voting chapter delegates, non-voting delegates and consultants. Delegates make decisions on issues that have far-reaching implications for the association and for the profession of physical therapy. As part of her role, Skallerud will read and review house motions, background papers and reports, be prepared to discuss them with the delegation, and report back to the student membership.

A member of the DPT Class of 2020, Skallerud is also clinic coordinator for the pro-bono SAY Detroit PT Clinic. She is a student member of the Michigan Physical Therapy Association legislative committee and a student legislative advocate at Wayne State.

"I am excited to expand my legislative advocacy role at the national level," she said. "I believe that in being selected to represent Michigan as a student delegate, I will gain skills and knowledge that will help me gain traction in being an impactful voice for the PT profession in the future."

The Wayne State University Doctor of Physical Therapy program is housed in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Learn more on our website, and follow the DPT program on Facebook and Instagram.