By using this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. To find out more visit our privacy policy.
Learn about the 57th Mary McMillan Lecture.
Mary McMillan Lecture
APTA's most distinguished honor, the Mary McMillan Lecture, spotlights a physical therapist whose contributions have significantly influenced the profession. Each year, the recipient delivers an inspiring, thought-provoking presentation that challenges and inspires the physical therapy community.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026
Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
Tickets: No ticket required — open to all registered attendees.
Lecture Title: "Movement Matters: The Path to Professional Impact"
This year's lecture will be delivered by Christopher Powers, PT, PhD, FAPTA, a professor and associate chair in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. Internationally recognized for his expertise in human movement, his research centers on lower extremity biomechanics and their relationship to injury, informing evidence-based approaches to preventing and treating knee pain, osteoarthritis, and sports-related injuries.
He has published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles and received multiple research awards from APTA. A committed leader within the profession, he has served as president of the APTA California Chapter and the Academy of Physical Therapy Research. He currently serves as a trustee for the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, continuing to champion the profession’s scientific foundation and its impact on patient care.
In the 57th McMillan Lecture, Powers will explore the profession’s foundation in movement science, and examine the challenges and opportunities for strengthening education, clinical application, and public understanding around the central concept of movement.
About the Award
The Mary McMillan Visionary Leader Lecture Award recognizes a visionary physical therapist whose contributions have profoundly shaped the profession. The recipient delivers a thought-provoking lecture designed to inspire and challenge the physical therapy community.
Join us at APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Anaheim to hear Christopher Powers deliver this year's inspiring Mary McMillan Lecture.
Not a member? Join or renew your membership for discounted access to APTA's Combined Sections Meeting and more.
Thank You to Our 2026 APTA CSM Sponsors
