Physical Therapist recognized for 50 years of service

Middle Georgia resident and physical therapist Al Dehnad received the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) 50-year membership pin during the Oct. 18 – 20 Physical Therapy Association of Georgia (PTAG) Fall Conference in Atlanta.

The honorary pin is given to physical therapists across the country for their 50-year commitment and dedication to both APTA and the PT profession.

“We are proud to recognize Al for reaching this incredible milestone in his career,” says PTAG president Dr. Barney Poole. “His extraordinary commitment and service to the physical therapy profession embodies the true meaning behind the 50-year pin.”

Dehnad has been assisting the Middle Georgia community since 1967, and helped lay the foundation for physical therapy post-surgery rehabilitation efforts in the area. He is a dedicated member of PTAG who has held several leadership positions within the organization. In 1990, Dehnad was appointed by Gov. Joe Frank Harris to serve on the Georgia Licensure Board of Physical Therapy. He served a six year-term, the last of which he served as President.

Dehnad is just one of three other APTA members in Georgia on the pin list who have reached the 50 year milestone for 2013.

“My feelings on receiving this award are indescribable,” says Dehand. “I have the utmost respect for the practice of physical therapy. For all of the hard work and hours I have put into being a PT, I feel equally rewarded for serving as one.”

Dehand sold his practice in 1998, but continues to work on a part-time basis.

He currently resides in Houston County with his wife, Parr.

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