Dana Daniel Blake, an associate professor and the director of clinical education at Samford University’s School of Health Professions, has been a leading presence in physical therapy for more than 25 years. She has earned national recognition for her work in financial management, patient care, and best practices. In August, she was honored with the Barbara Bradford Leadership Award from the American Physical Therapy Association of Alabama (APTA) for outstanding leadership and significant contributions to chapter growth.

What inspired you to pursue a career in physical therapy?

I was pre-med the summer before my senior year at Samford. While working at the hospital and spending time with patients, I felt a calling toward physical therapy. I returned to school, spoke with my adviser, and took on the challenging task of 21 credit hours in both the fall and spring semesters. From then on, I knew I wanted to be a physical therapist. I worked in the field for 20 years in various roles, specializing in outpatient therapy. I continued my education, earning a PhD, and have worked at Samford in the School of Health Professions since 2018.

What does receiving the Barbara Bradford Leadership Award mean to you?

I am deeply humbled. Being an early recipient of this new award is special for the program. Leadership is a key component of what I teach, so having it recognized is particularly meaningful. It’s even more special because I personally knew Barbara Bradford, for whom the award is named. She significantly impacted our industry, leaving it in a better place. I hope to follow her example and leave the profession in better shape.

Can you share an instance when your leadership significantly impacted your work or community?

I have been actively involved in the Alabama chapter of our association in various roles since 1994. In Alabama, there was a need for better evaluation options for individuals who needed direct access. To address this, I worked extensively with the association and secured a position on the Alabama board, which the governor appoints. One of my goals was to obtain compact licenses to enable practice across multiple states.

We achieved compact licensing last year and established direct access this year. I was frustrated by the lack of direct access rights and wanted to ensure that students could practice with these rights in place.

How will you continue advocating for the physical therapy community?

I plan to actively engage in areas where improvement is needed. I am willing to take on roles where I can make a difference, even if it means working behind the scenes. I am committed to identifying and addressing gaps and challenges within the field. I am passionate about driving change, seeing improvements, and contributing to the advancement of our practice.

What advice would you give emerging students, leaders and the next generation in physical therapy?

Just take the initiative. When you identify something that needs to be changed, don’t wait for instructions on how to help—start with small actions and build from there. In physical therapy, professionals are generally very supportive and willing to mentor you. If you see an opportunity to get involved or engage with others, reach out and seize it. The field is full of people ready to support your growth.