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William H. “Bill” Staples, PT, DPT, DHSc, GCS, has demonstrated service to the physical therapy profession at the component and national levels, with a focus on progressing clinical practice, ensuring quality in the physical therapy licensure process, and advancement of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy (AGPT, formerly the Section on Geriatrics).
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Currently, he is an Associate Professor in the entry-level Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program of the Krannert School of Physical Therapy, the Doctor of Health Sciences, and for the Center for Aging and Community at the University of Indianapolis. Dr. Staples has previously served as the Program Director of the university’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program. He has also held an academic role with Ivy Tech State College (PTA program) in Muncie, Indiana. Staples received his Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Indianapolis, an MS and Certificate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University, and BA in Zoology from Ohio Wesleyan University.
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Over the past 30 years, Staples’ leadership and service has resulted in such honors as the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy’s Distinguished Educator Award, the President’s Award, and the Joan M. Mills Award. In 2014, he received the Lucy Blair Service Award from the APTA for exceptional service to that organization. He also received the Outstanding Faculty (University of Indianapolis) Award for Exceptional Service to the University in 2014.
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He was highly involved in the Geriatric Specialty Council and the Board of ABPTS, with work that included the development of the specialty certification process and a significant increase in the numbers of clinical specialists. In addition, Staples has served on the Specialization Academy of Content Experts and is currently a lead reviewer for APTA clinical residency and fellowship programs, including the evaluation of multiple new clinical residency programs over the past 4 years. He served on the Item Bank Review Committee of FSBPT, for 6 years and chair for 3 of those years. He has demonstrated commitment to enhancing clinical practice through increasing clinical practice knowledge through presentations and contributions to research. Since 1984, he has given more than 70 presentations in a variety of settings, with written contributions in texts, peer-reviewed journals, and PTNow that have contributed to evidence-based practice.
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An APTA member since 1979, Staples has served the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy since 1984, and is a member of the Neurology Section since 2004 and Home Health Section since 1989. He has been involved with the Indiana Chapter of the APTA since 1990, and in 2012 received the Chapter’s Anthony D. Certo Award “for distinguished contribution of time, energy, and expertise toward furthering physical therapy as professional practice.” He previously served as President of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy for 6 years and has additionally served on the board of Directors for 9 years, 6 as Treasurer. In 2008, he was inducted into Sigma Phi Omega, a national professional society for gerontology.
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Dr. Staples has lectured nationally on a variety of geriatric physical therapy issues and is an instructor in the Certification for Exercise Experts for Aging Adults program offered by the AGPT. His research has investigated exercise and Parkinson disease, fear of falling, attitudes toward working with patients with dementia and the association between falls and mood. He maintains his clinical skills by working part-time in home healthcare and acute rehab.