Movement matters: the path to professional impact

Christopher M. Powers, PT, PhD, FAPTA, the 57th McMillan Lecturer, is a professor and associate chair in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. Dr Powers is internationally recognized for his expertise and leadership in human movement science, and his research has advanced our understanding of lower-extremity biomechanics and their role in musculoskeletal injury. His work has shaped evidence-based approaches to preventing and treating knee pain and sports-related injuries. He has authored more than 230 peer-reviewed publications that have been cited more than 30,000 times, underscoring the broad impact of his scholarship across rehabilitation science, sports medicine, and orthopedics. His research contributions have been recognized with multiple awards from APTA. His sustained leadership and service to the profession are equally notable. Dr. Powers has received service awards from both APTA and the California Physical Therapy Association, reflecting his long-standing commitment to advancing physical therapy through organizational leadership and professional advocacy. He has served as the president of the California chapter of the APTA and as president of the Academy of Physical Therapy Research. He currently serves as vice president of the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, where he continues to champion the profession's scientific research and its translation into improved patient care.