Developing Alumni Relations
Circle of Excellence Alumni Award Winner
The 2011 Circle of Excellence Alumni Award is being awarded to Class of 2000 alumnus, Michele Lambaria PT, MPT, NCS.
Michele works as a physical therapist at the Genesee Intermediate School District and as an adjunct instructor for the PT Department. When asked why Michele has chosen to give back to the department she stated “because I received such a great education in the UM-F program. Teaching and guiding the students is my way of showing my mentors my appreciation for the knowledge I gained that allows me to help so many people.” As a practicing clinician Ms. Lambaria recalls how beneficial it was for her to have lectures provided by PTs who were still working in the field. She feels that it is important for students to interact with instructors who are also full-time clinicians that work with patients, their families and other health care providers on a daily basis. Furthermore she believes that “this adds another layer of richness to the program and to the students’ experience. I also gain and strengthen my own knowledge and my clinical practice by teaching, as it encourages me to stay current in research and treatments.”
Through achieving her ABPTS board certification in neurologic physical therapy, Michele believes that this was another way to advance her ability to provide the best care to her patients and the best education to the students.She encourages other alumni to consider teaching as an adjunct faculty member and to serve as clinical instructors for the benefit of the students, the profession, and their own personal and professional growth. We are honored to have Michele as an adjunct instructor and the recipient of the 2011 Circle of Excellence Alumni Award.