A Message from the President

APTA Georgia Member Spotlights

David W.M. Taylor, PT, DPT, FNAP:

Lucy Blair Service Award Recipient

APTA Georgia congratulates David W. M. Taylor, PT, DPT, FNAP, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy Emeritus, on receiving the 2025 Lucy Blair Service Award, one of APTA’s highest honors for service. This award recognizes individuals whose exceptional contributions at both the national and component levels reflect the legacy of Lucy Blair.

Dr. Taylor, Clinical Professor and Director of Clinical Education at Mercer University, was nominated by colleagues from both APTA Georgia and APTA Geriatrics. A dedicated member since 1992, he has held numerous leadership roles, including Chief Delegate, PTAG Executive Committee member, and Co-chair PTAG Ethics Committee, as well as serving on national APTA committees and task forces.

Reflecting on the honor, Dr. Taylor shared, " I was honored to be nominated by Georgia and APTA Geriatrics colleagues and grateful for my service to be recognized by APTA."

Dr. Taylor joins past Georgia recipients of this award, including Charlene Portee (2024), Stuart Platt (2021), Anne Thompson (2020), John Wallace (2014), and R.M. Barney Poole (2009). We are proud to celebrate his ongoing service and leadership in the profession.

Current Residency Participants

Name: Beau Peregino, PT, DPT

Program: Augusta University Wellstar MCG Orthopaedic Residency Program

Entry Level Program: Augusta University

Hometown: Bel Air, Maryland

Additional Certifications/training: CSCS, Dry Needling, and 18+ certifications for fitness training including biomechanics, functional training, speed agility quickness, lifestyle weight management, core conditioning, sports Injury, and more.

Favorite aspect of ortho physical therapy practice: Increased precision in diagnosing underlying issues and targeting treatment with the most effective techniques available

Why you chose to complete a residency: I am focused on obtaining the most knowledge I can before committing myself to full-time treatment of patients. I want to direct, lead, and foster a proactive treatment mindset and the best way I can achieve that is with increased knowledge and making connections with like-minded individuals to effect change. 

Fun fact: Fun fact, I have been in TV and movies, worked in the entertainment industry, and visited some of the most beautiful places in the world. The thing that makes all those better is having a place where you are comfortable inside your own heart. 

Name: Cameron Comerford, PT, DPT 

Program: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Sports Residency

Entry Level Program: Duke University - Doctor of Physical Therapy 

Hometown: Asheville, NC

Additional Certifications/Training: Dry Needling, Acute Management of Illness & Injury: Sideline Care for the Athlete

Favorite aspect of ortho physical therapy practice: One of my favorite aspects of orthopedics in physical therapy practice is getting to be a part of the post-operative plan of care, where we can utilize movement to optimize recovery and empower patients to return to sport .

Why you chose to complete a residency: I chose to complete a residency to get the best training possible for meeting each patient's unique goals in the context of the sport they play, as well as getting the opportunity and experience to learn more about how physical therapy is implemented in the sports, I am less familiar with.

Fun fact and/or favorite inspirational quote: A fun fact about me/my favorite memory is swimming with hundreds of dolphins in the Galapagos Islands.

Chief Delegate Report

Hello, Members!

The APTA GA delegates are busy preparing for our 2025 Leadership Conference July 11-15 and the House of Delegates July 13-14 in Washington, D.C. There are 48 motions before the House and delegates are investigating and analyzing information for each motion. The House motions can be viewed below. Reach out with any questions, comments or concerns and we will connect you with the delegate assigned to that motion. 

Regards,

Teresa Pierce, PT, DPT, PhD, Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist

Chief Delegate

PAC Donations: Why You Cannot Afford NOT to Contribute

Barney Poole, PT, GPTAC Trustee

What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

A PAC is a collective voice for individuals with shared political interests, pooling resources to support candidates who align with our goals. The Georgia Physical Therapy PAC (GPT PAC) plays a crucial role in advocating for our profession, recently working to remove restrictions on direct patient access and refine dry needling regulations.

Why Your Contribution Matters

Despite the importance of our political presence, many members hesitate to contribute. It’s easy to think, “Someone else will do it,” but the truth is, every voice counts. Your contribution—just $5 a month—can make a significant difference. Imagine if every PTand PTA in Georgia contributed; together, we could amplify our impact and ensure our voices are heard.

The Consequences of Inaction

Without our support, we risk losing ground on hard-fought legislative victories. If we don’t advocate for ourselves, who will? Legislative activities are ongoing, and so should our support for the PAC.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Contribute today using the link below. You won’t miss the money, but you will feel the impact of your support in the way we practice in Georgia.

Contribute $5/month to GPT PAC

Call for Committees

Are you interested in becoming more involved in APTA Georgia? Find your passion and pursue it through our APTA Georgia Committee, Focused Interest Networks, and Workgroup call for volunteers!

We have opportunities available for volunteers to join committees, workgroups, and other positions to serve the organization while enhancing your knowledge and expertise in a variety of areas. We welcome and appreciate all who are interested in submitting their name and helping us meet our mission!

Volunteers should review the Committee Descriptions HERE

Note:  Even if you were on the committee for 2024/2025, you must complete the form (see link below) again for 2025/2026.

Committees Available

• Acute Care FIN
• Awards Committee
• Bylaws Committee
• Continuing Competency Review Committee (CCH Review)
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee
• Ethics & Jurisprudence Committee
• Finance Committee
• Georgia Physical Therapy Political Action Committee
• Legislative Committee
• Minority Mentoring FIN
• Neurology FIN
• Payment Policy Committee (Specifically, acute hospital, SNF/long-term care, home health agency/hospice, inpatient rehab, and outpatient (Part A and Part B)
• Pediatric FIN
• Programming Committee
• PT Day at the Capitol Committee
• PTA FIN
• Research Work Group- experience reviewing research abstracts
• RM Barney Poole Leadership Academy
• Social Media Group
• Sports/Ortho FIN
• Workgroup: Atlanta Botanical Garden - Fall 2025 Physical Therapy Scarecrow in the Garden

The Call for Committees will close on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Applicants will be notified soon after if they have been selected for committee positions.

If you have questions please contact info@aptageorgia.org

Thank you again for your interest and participation in APTA Georgia.

June Events

APTA GA Sports / Ortho FIN

Journal Club

Monday, June 16th at 6:30 pm

DO NOT MISS!

Join the Georgia PT Licensing Board for a Licensing Renewal Webinar on Thursday, August 7th, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST. Earn 2 CCHs if you join LIVE!



More details and information about the Licensing Renewal Webinar are to come.

APTA Capitol Hill Day

We’re excited to welcome nearly 470 advocates to APTA Capitol Hill Day! If you want to join the event, please note the deadline to register is next Wednesday, June 18. APTA offers training opportunities; below are important dates to help you prepare for your experience.

• Pre-event webinar for a live walkthrough of key details: 6/24
• Optional but encouraged: Advocacy Training Program self guided modules (not just for Capitol Hill Day!): access from 6/26-7/3 (sign up by 6/24)

FAL Briefing Memo

PTA has released the May FAL Briefing Memo. Click the link below to read more.

Become a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist

ABPTS Application Submission Cycle Open

Applications for the 2026 board certification specialty examinations are currently being accepted with the following deadlines:

Help Build the ACCESS Database



Advancing Disability Inclusion in Clinical Education

The Disability Justice and Anti-Ableism Catalyst (DJAAC) Group of the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation is developing a nationwide database to support students and educators in identifying accessible clinical sites - focusing on accommodations, resources, and attitudes towards disability. DJAAC invites you to complete the following survey to help populate the ACCESS (Assessing Clinical Conditions and Environmental Support for Students) Database.

Cancer Rehabilitation Month: Empowering Recovery

Join APTA GA in honoring Cancer Rehabilitation Month this June, an initiative led by APTA Oncology to raise awareness about the transformative power of rehabilitation for cancer patients and survivors. This campaign emphasizes the importance of early referrals, education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhanced access to specialized rehabilitation services to improve quality of life. Learn more about this inspiring movement and how you can get involved in the full article: "Cancer Rehabilitation Month Champions Healing Beyond Treatment".

Have news that would interest or benefit the APTA Georgia community?

Please send any news or upcoming member/community events to share with your fellow APTA Georgia members at Secretary@aptageorgia.org.

Ashley McCall, PT, PhD APTA Georgia Secretary