UF Alumna Named the 2021 Physical Therapist of the Year

Alumna Dr. Maria Chilbert ’12 was named the 2021 Physical Therapist of the Year award by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

The Physical Therapist of the Year award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in clinical practice, community service, and personal commitment to the physical therapy field. “I strive to go above and beyond with every patient, to use all the knowledge and skills that I have gained, to get them better. I always try to give that something extra; I don’t do that for any type of special recognition, but it feels amazing to know that the extra effort hasn’t gone unnoticed,” said Dr. Chilbert, who is currently treating patients at Physical Therapy of Milwaukee and Physical Therapy of Wales.

She completed her BA in Science for pre-physical therapy with a minor in Spanish and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of Findlay in 2012.

University of Findlay is one of the few physical therapy schools in Ohio that has an early assurance program. The early assurance program allows incoming freshmen with a strong high school GPA and ACT or SAT ​score to apply to reserve their seat in the Traditional DPT Program. To learn more about University of Findlay’s physical therapy program, visit the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program webpage.