This year World Physiotherapy is celebrating it's 75th anniversary. One of the activities to mark the anniversary is to recognise 75 noteworthy physiotherapists.
A call for nominations was made earlier this year, which closed on 13 April 2026. The 75 noteworthy physiotherapists to be recognised will be announced later in the year.
Those recognised will have made an exceptional contribution to the profession, either at a national, regional or international level. The contributions of the nominated individuals may have been made at any point since 1951; the year World Physiotherapy was founded.
Examples of outstanding contributions at an exceptional level may include:
Professional impact
- Clinical contributions: significant advancements in treatment approaches, rehabilitation protocols, or patient care standards that led to change of practice.
- Research and publications: significant level of remarkable peer-reviewed research or influential clinical practice guidelines.
- Educational influence: development of curricula, training programmes, or mentorship/fellowship that shaped the profession.
- Establishment of the profession or member organisation: in their country/territory, region or internationally.
Leadership and advocacy
- Professional leadership: demonstrating significant impact and progress to the aims of the profession on a local, regional or global level.
- Policy influence: contributions to healthcare policy, scope of practice, accessibility, and recognition of physiotherapy as a critical profession.
- Advocacy for patients and profession: led campaigns or initiatives that significantly improved patient outcomes or elevated physiotherapy nationally or globally.
Innovation and technology
- Innovative practices: introduction of new technology, tools, or evidence-based approaches in education or clinical practice that have led to meaningful change.
- Education and training: curriculum development or advancement in accessible teaching and learning techniques.
Elevating the visibility and recognition of physiotherapy
- Patient outcomes: demonstrated improvement in population health or rehabilitation success rates.
- Community engagement: outreach programmes, volunteering, or initiatives in underserved regions that have made a significant impact.
- Media presence: had a profound impact and influence via their thought leadership through books, podcasts, social media, or public speaking.
World Physiotherapy acknowledges that not all physiotherapists who have made a significant contribution to the profession can be included in the ‘75 noteworthy’. Our aim is to reflect the diversity of the profession, highlight individuals who have had a truly substantial and widely acknowledged impact, and those whose lifelong dedication has made a meaningful difference within their local communities.
Selection process
A committee will review the nominations received and make recommendations to the World Physiotherapy executive board (board) as to the final 75 noteworthy physiotherapists to be recognised. The committee will consist of representatives from World Physiotherapy regions, as well as representatives from the International Physiotherapy History Association (IPHA), with which World Physiotherapy is collaborating on this project.
In addition, the board may nominate physiotherapists who have marked their time as global leaders of the profession.
The final 75 noteworthy physiotherapists will be recognised across World Physiotherapy's social media platforms, in our e-newsletters, and in a publication which will be published later in the year.
