COMMENCEMENT AWARDS

The Emerging Leader Alumni Award

The Emerging Leader Alumni Award, established in 2010, recognizes the accomplishments of an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership in the health professions and the drive to develop innovative, effective, and responsible health care practices.

The award is open to all alumni who have graduated with their first professional degree from any Institute academic program within the past ten years. It goes to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and made significant contributions to his/her professional disciplines and/or health care in one or more of the following ways:

 Implementing innovative models or programs that contribute to advancing the health professions and have the potential to change the health care landscape.

 Committing to and promoting ethical health care practices in the local and/or global community.

 Using their leadership role and skills to advocate for change and advancement while continuing to provide the highest quality of health care.

Valerie Rucker-Bussie Doctor of Physical Therapy, Class of 2018

Valerie Rucker-Bussie graduated from the Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2018. Valerie is a staff physical therapist at Capitol Physical Therapy in Washington, D.C. In this clinical practice, she focuses on the physical therapy management of individuals with either neurological diagnoses or pelvic health dysfunction. Then, in her own private practice called Priority One Wellness, LLC, Valerie combines her physical therapy background with her skills as a certified Reiki practitioner and yoga teacher. Rucker-Bussie is dedicated to reducing health disparities and inequities in her community. She is the co-founder and co-chair of the APTA District of Columbia Chapter’s Health Equity and AntiRacism Team, which is a role she continues today. Valerie is dedicated to disseminating research as well. She is a coauthor on the manuscript Embedding Population Health in Physical Therapist Professional Education for the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal. Valerie’s leadership potential was recognized in 2021 when she was named an APTA Centennial Scholar.