PT Professor Wins Award for Best Presentation at International Shoulder and Elbow Congress

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

Tim Uhl, PT, PhD, ATC, FNATA, a professor in the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences Department of Physical Therapy, won the Best Oral Presentation award at the 8th International Congress on Shoulder & Elbow Therapy (ICSET), held Sept. 23-25 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Uhl presented his research, “Direct Access to Care Reduces Days Lost to and Costs in Firefighters with Shoulder Injuries,” at the international conference, which brought together clinicians, researchers and other professionals focused on shoulder and elbow care. This research was part of a larger study that was funded by the Department of Homeland Security/ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with co-PIs Phillip Gribble, PhD, ATC, FNATA, and Nick Heebner, PhD, ATC, from the College of Health Sciences and Mark Abel, PhD, from the College of Education.

"It is very nice to win. I was not feeling the best when I presented so I was surprised that I did win due to a sore throat with a cold. I think the quality of the project carried the day," Uhl said. "We had a great team, and I love working in a team effort."

Gribble, who also serves as Dean of the College of Health Sciences, expressed his excitement for Dr. Uhl’s recognition.

“Our FEMA-funded project demonstrates the importance of musculoskeletal experts such as athletic trainers and physical therapists in improving wellness and mitigating musculoskeletal injuries for the men and women in the fire service,” Gribble said. “Dr. Uhl’s abstract highlights that direct access to these health care experts lessens the burden that shoulder injuries have on firefighters, helping them to serve their communities more effectively and safely.”

Uhl said the research is just an example of the extraordinary work being done in the College of Health Sciences everyday.

“I am honored to even be considered a finalist to represent our College of Health Sciences, the University of Kentucky, and the American Society of Shoulder Elbow Therapist, of which I have been a member for 30 years,” Uhl said. “This represents the quality of research that is generated in our College, and can positively impact employment opportunities for physical therapists and athletic trainers to work directly with these tactical athletes.”