PT faculty honored at 2026 IPTA awards
Introduction
On Saturday, October 3, 2026, three PT faculty members were honored at the Illinois Physical Therapy Association's 75th anniversary celebration at Society 57 in Aurora.
Visiting clinical instructor Oliver Rivera won the Clinical Educator of the Year award, and clinical assistant professor and director of the sports physical therapy residency Matt Gauthier won the Outstanding Clinician award. Tanvi Bhatt, professor and program coordinator of the master’s in rehabilitation sciences and healthspan promotion, was recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Outstanding Researcher Award.
The event offered the IPTA community an opportunity to reflect on the association’s history and recognize those shaping the future of physical therapy in Illinois. The 2026 IPTA awards honored members who have made a difference in leadership and service, clinical practice, clinical and academic education, societal impact, student achievement and research.
UIC’s presence across award categories demonstrates the continued excellence of the PT program.
“Long before I arrived as interim, the department began a tradition of celebrating and highlighting faculty excellence,” said interim head of PT Renee Taylor. “These faculty members commanded the awards ceremony this year. Their accomplishments bring pride to our department and set an example for faculty and students across our college and university.”