THE LINDA CRANE MEMORIAL LECTURE: Striving for Excellence: Thursday February 18, 2010: APTA's CSM San Diego,CA |
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| Authors: | Sherrill H Hayes |
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| Institution: | University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL |
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| Abstract: | Historically, invited lecturers have often challenged us to define excel lence in physical therapy practice, or in our academic programs. While some have addressed different char acteristics of excellence, our profession has not really come together to address 2 very important questions: what does “quality” mean in physical therapist education? And how do we measure it? Using 3 elements of Friendship, Leadership, and Mentoring, and Defining Excellence and juxtaposing these with Linda Crane and her life, a vision of excellence in physical therapy educational programs was explored in this invited lecture. The text of that lecture ensues.Open in a separate windowGood afternoon everyone. I would first like to thank Dr. Frese, and the Awards Committee of the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section for selecting me for this great honor. I would also like to thank Drs. Meryl Cohen and Carol Davis (both previous Linda Crane Lecturers) for nominating me, making me the third person from the University of Miami, on the 10th anniversary of this Lecture.I would also like to assure the cardiopulmonary physical therapists in the audience that while I teach neuroanatomy, I am really an acute care person at heart. I learned a lot from two very notable cardiopulmonary people—(1) The first person was while at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City as a new graduate in 1970. We could work overtime on weekends doing chest physical therapy, but we all had to be trained first by the superb pulmonary physical therapist, Micah Rie; and (2) later at Hartford Hospital (in CT) in 1977, where I first met Linda Crane. Thus, I feel I have probably learned from two of the very best.I also have something to share with this audience. We are all familiar with the bumper stickers that say “I Love NY,” or something similar, with the red heart in the middle. The University of Miami is often called simply “the U.” Well, one of my students came to class with this t-shirt (see Figure ). Linda would have loved it!Open in a separate window“I Heart U(M).”When trying to decide what to speak about today, I tossed around many ideas. But I realized that I knew Linda most as a teacher. I found this poem that really captured so much of Linda as a teacher:Teaching is a Lifelong Journey – Donna Bulgur1To teach is to touch the lives of manyand to help us learn life''s lessons.But to teach well is to make a differencein all the lives you touch. To teach is to be a parent, nurse, friend, and confidant; to be a supporter, a leader, and a motivator.But to teach well is to be all of these things,yet not lose sight of who you are.You share a part of yourselfwith all whose livesyou have touched. To teach is to be tender,loving, strong, and giving,to all who rely upon you;to encourage and praise.But to teach wellis to believe in whatand whom you teach. A teacher comes to masterthese many jobs throughout the years.But those who teach wellrecognize that therewill always be moreto learn in life''s journey,and they never hesitateto strive to learn it. “Friend, Supporter, Leader, Motivator; Believe in what and whom you teach; Always more to learn.” Linda was all of these things. She was one of those inspiring teachers who always strived for excellence. I was Linda''s Chair for 11 years. We''ve all heard of Linda''s good qualities, especially in this forum. Somehow, however, this quote seemed perfect:“Most great men and women are not perfectly rounded in their personalities, but are instead people whose one driving enthusiasm is so great it makes their faults seem insignificant.” (Charles A. Cerami) As her Chair, I can tell you that Linda had a few faults. She was stubborn, impatient, demanding, and a perfectionist; but she was also dedicated, extremely loyal, caring, and fun-loving. She was a good friend. She was my friend. I felt that if Linda were here today, there are a few things she would expect me to say. I am going to focus on excellence; specifically, leadership and excellence in physical therapy education.I have chosen 3 main themes: (1) educators love to use stories, so I have a little story about friendship and my history with Linda to share with you; (2) the importance of leadership (and mentoring) in our profession; and (3) excellence in physical therapist professional programs –where we are now, and where we need to be. For me, all 3 are intertwined and inseparable, as you will soon see.In short, my goal is to enlighten and entertain, as well as to challenge you. |
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