SC Graduate Earns Minority Scholarship Award

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduate Camille Richards was recently awarded the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Minority Scholarship Award at the annual APTA conference hosted in Nashville, Tenn.

The APTA scholarship award is given each year to students enrolled in the DPT portion of their academic degree. The scholarship acknowledges and rewards demonstrated participation in minority affairs activities and services; the potential for superior achievements in the profession of physical therapy; appropriate display of professionalism as a future physical therapist; and academic excellence.

“Camille is a hardworking, intelligent young lady who is well-liked by her peers and professors,” said Springfield College Assistant Professor of Human Anatomy and Richards’ academic advisor Kathleen Pappas. “Camille is the type of student who ponders her coursework, applies it to her clinical work, and then comes to the faculty to fully synthesize the information. She is truly a critical thinker, applying her knowledge and experiences to new situations.”

Richards most recently gained experience as a student physical therapist at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, N.J., where she completed a 10-week internship assisting with the patient population in acute care including orthopedic, cardiac/respiratory, trauma, neurological, and medically complex patients.

“As an active member in the APTA for many years, I foresee Camille as the person who will assist in leading more minority students to our programs, making sure other minority members are involved, and being a voice for the underserved,” added Pappas.

Prior to her time at Jersey Shore, Richards served as a student physical therapist at both the Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital in Springfield, Mass., and at the Albany Medical Center in Albany, N.Y. From February 2015 through December 2015, Richards assisted as a sensory integration technician at Northampton Vision Specialist conducting individual light therapy patient treatment sessions.

While at Springfield College, Richards was active, spending time as a graduate assistant for the Springfield College School of Health Science and Rehabilitation Studies; and volunteering as an academic tutor and computer lab assistant. Richards also assisted international students on a weekly basis engaging in conversation about topics of their choice helping ease the transition to college life in the United States. She also worked as a rehab technician volunteer for Shriners Hospitals for Children.