Posted 11:55 a.m. Monday, April 4, 2022
Heiderscheit known for integrity, passion in sports medicine
Editor’s note: This is the first of a series of five articles introducing recipients of the UWL Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Awards. See all 2022 award recipients.
Those who work with Bryan Heiderscheit know firsthand of his tremendous productivity, scholarly success and quality mentoring. And others internationally know of his sports medicine reputation, thanks to widespread recognition and scholarly publications.
For nearly two decades, Heiderscheit has led a clinical research program representing sports medicine, biomedical engineering, physical therapy and orthopedics at UW-Madison. His passion, creativity and innovation have greatly impacted the many undergraduate and graduate students he’s mentored. Many have gone on to gain tenure track faculty positions along with earning worldwide scientific scholarship recognition.
Heiderscheit is an editor of the “Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy,” the second largest physical therapy journal in the world. As a practicing clinician, he has instant credibility with the publication’s audience.
“There are very few individuals in the physical therapy profession that can match this level of scholarly success,” says William Boissonnault, executive vice president of professional affairs for the American Physical Therapy Association. “His work represents significant collaboration with basic scientists and physician scholars.”
That recognition is shown in the many national and international awards along with speaking invitations Heiderscheit receives. Among them is the American Physical Therapy Association’s highest recognition, the Catherine Worthingham Fellow citation. It’s awarded to those who have influenced the physical therapy profession through leadership and achievements for at least 15 years.
Those close to Heiderscheit also see his loyalty, commitment and family devotion. He extends those characteristics to his profession.
“He has always demonstrated a tremendous work ethic, empathy and excellent communication with patients and has done so with the highest integrity and honesty,” notes UWL Professor Emeritus George J. Davies. “He is a class act.”
The Maurice O. Graff Distinguished Alumni Award
Recognizes outstanding achievement of alumni who have brought honor and distinction to the university. Long-time administrator Maurice O. Graff instituted the honor in 1977.
Bryan Heiderscheit, ’94
- Recognized worldwide for integrity, passion, creativity and innovation in sports medicine.
- Frederick Gaenslen Professor in Orthopedics and Vice-Chair for Research, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
- 2020 Excellence in Research Award, American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy; 2019 Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association; others.
- Bachelor’s in physical therapy, 1994; master’s, 1998, and doctorate, 2000, University of Massachusetts.
Nominate deserving alumni
Nominate deserving UWL alumni for the university’s distinguished alumni awards. Simply fill out the nomination form; the Alumni Office will contact nominees.
Nominations are accepted throughout the year. They must be received by Oct. 1 to be considered for the award the following year.
See all past recipients .
See the award criteria.