For Immediate Release: 5/4/2020
WILSONVILLE, Ore. – The Oregon Physical Therapy Association (OPTA) awarded the Mercedes Weiss Service Award to Derek Fenwick, PT, MBA, Senior Director of Human Resources at Infinity Rehab.
Established in 1976, this award honors OPTA members who have contributed in several significant areas to the physical therapy profession, including clinical practice, education, research, and practice management (such as legislative issues).
Fenwick was awarded for being a highly influential and positive leader within OPTA and their national organization. He was also selected for leading the PT profession at the local and national levels and for his significant impact in practice management and education, according to Carol-Ann Nelson, Vice President of OPTA.
“Derek is on the forefront of developing leadership education and mentoring new leaders within our profession,” Nelson stated.
She added that several individuals nominated Fenwick.
“OPTA is an organization I care about deeply, and to be recognized by my peers with this particular award and what it stands for is such a great honor,” Fenwick stated. “I am thankful to the Oregon chapter for this recognition and even more so for the opportunities I’ve been given to build relationships within the physical therapy profession while working with others to make a bigger impact on our world.”
OPTA typically recognizes award winners at their annual conference. Due to the March event’s cancellation, Nelson conducted an exclusive video interview with Fenwick.
Fenwick earned the Mercedes Weiss Service Award in part due to his extensive work as part of OPTA. During the interview, Nelson thanked Fenwick for his example of humble leadership and contributions to the physical therapy profession.
Fenwick considers his volunteerism a win-win scenario, where he gains a lot from the experience while moving the organization forward.
“It’s a training ground for learning skills that apply in so many other areas in your life,” Fenwick shared. “Experiential learning is one of the most effective ways to practice leadership, to experience leadership, to grow, and what better place to do that than in a volunteer association.”
Fenwick’s passion for volunteerism and leadership development is evident, as Nelson reported many of OPTA’s current volunteer leaders were recruited by Fenwick.
Fenwick is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Nominating Committee and the OPTA Nominating Committee. He is also a past president of OPTA and has served on APTA’s Post-Acute Care Payment Reform Workgroup and Leadership Development Committee.
About Infinity Rehab
Based in Wilsonville, Oregon, Infinity Rehab provides occupational, physical, and speech therapy wherever patients call home. Through the leadership of industry-recognized therapists, Infinity Rehab serves over 220 skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living communities across 19 states. Infinity Rehab is proud to be certified a Great Place to Work for the second consecutive year.
For more information, please visit InfinityRehab.com.
Infinity Rehab
25117 SW Parkway Ave, Suite D
Wilsonville, OR 97070
For press inquiries, please email press@avamere.com.
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