Mildred L. Wood Bequest; New Endowment Fund Announced

Dr. Mildred L. Wood dedicated her life to serving others, and with her generous bequest of over $115,000 to the Foundation for Physical Therapy, has now ensured that she will leave a lasting legacy within the physical therapy community.

Associate Professor Emerita of the University of Pittsburgh's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mildred L. Wood, PhD, passed away peacefully February 28, 2016 at the age of 95.

Mildred knew early on that she wanted to pursue a career in which she would devote her life to her profession and country. Upon receiving her undergraduate degree in health and physical education from East Stroudsburg University in 1942 and a certificate in physical therapy from the Ashford Army General Hospital as part of the War Department Emergency Certificate Course in 1945, she ended up joining the army and serving for about 10 years before transferring to the Army Reserve. She later retired with the permanent rank of Colonel USAR with responsibilities to the Assistant Chief of the Army Medical Specialist Corps-Physical Therapy Section of the Office of the Surgeon General of the US Army.

Dr. Wood was a longtime supporter and active member within the physical therapy community. After joining the American Physical Therapy Association in 1946, she quickly worked to become one of the founding members of the Research Section. She also served as a former President and Chief Delegate of the North Carolina Chapter where she worked to help develop laws and regulations to improve and further the profession. Dr. Wood was also an elected member of the national APTA nominating committee, served as a member of the APTA Judicial Committee and as Secretary/Treasurer of the Research Section, and was an active member of the Prime Timers. For her commitment to the profession and countless achievements, she received the APTA Lucy Blair Service Award.

Years ago, Dr. Wood expressed her intention of leaving a generous planned gift to the Foundation. Following her wishes, the Mildred L. Wood Endowment Fund was established. The fund is intended to support physical therapy researchers enrolled in a post-professional doctoral education program with the intention of teaching in a PT educational program.

The Foundation anticipates scholarships becoming available in upcoming years.

Dr. Wood was on a mission to touch the lives of as many people as she could and with the establishment of this fund has left an enduring legacy that will help sustain the Foundation's work for generations to come. We are extremely grateful for her gift. Dr. Wood will be forever missed by her family, friends and all in the physical therapy community.

You can make a gift to the Mildred L. Wood Endowment Fund today to help expand scholarship funding focused on education. Visit our website at https://www.foundation4pt.org/wood/