YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Nancy Landgraff, department chair and professor of physical therapy at Youngstown State University, was recently inducted as a Distinguished Fellow into the National Academies of Practice.
This milestone honors her 43 years of dedication to advancing physical therapy, advocating for better patient care and promoting interprofessional collaboration.
Landgraff’s induction underscores her impact on health care, especially in the realms of stroke rehabilitation and patient-centered care and interprofessional practice.
Landgraff was nominated for this position by colleague Kelly Colwell, YSU associate professor and NAP Distinguished Fellow in Respiratory Therapy.
Her leadership at YSU has expanded the university’s physical therapy capabilities, with renovations to Cushwa Hall to accommodate additional field training space. She also supported the development of a doctoral program in health sciences and a revised master’s degree program in health and human services.
Beyond her academic contributions, Landgraff has volunteered for programs like Walk with a Doc, which promotes health through walking groups, and the American Heart Association as a board member and advocate. Landgraff has also held leadership roles in the Ohio Physical Therapy Association. She remains an advocate for stroke recovery and neuroplasticity research.
As she moves forward, Landgraff plans to participate in various NAP committees, continuing to advocate for policies that improve patient outcomes and interprofessional collaboration.