Leadership Pathways: Pamela Kays, PT, DPT, EdD, WCS, PRPC

Positions Served

Nominating Committee

Motivation & Decision to Run

To someone who is unsure if they are ready to run or apply, I would say meeting and serving with great people in the Academy who are passionate about pelvic healthcare is a fantastic way to get more involved in the profession, expand your support network of pelvic providers, and allow your voice and presence to influence the field of pelvic physical therapy.

Skills & Professional Growth

Serving in the Academy has strengthened my ability to be adaptable and step outside of my usual comfort zone. You will work with different people from different parts of the country learning new procedures or programs while all working towards common goals and progress of the Academy.

Involvement & Pathways

I heard about volunteer and election opportunities from Academy emails. I know we all get them, and there came a time when I was ready to find out more about how to get involved when an email popped up in my inbox.

Impact & Benefits

A meaningful moment that I have experienced was volunteering at the Academy booth at Combined Sections Meeting. I met several great individuals who are also passionate about pelvic health and the Academy. You don't know who you might get a chance to talk to, including Academy Board Members, while volunteering at the booth.

Value of Service

One piece of advice I would give to someone considering running for a position with the Academy is that there will never be the perfect time. We are all busy professionals, and we can work together and support each other by serving in the Academy together. I feel proud of myself for trying something new and knowing that I didn't just sit at the sidelines--I got involved and learned as I served.

What would you tell a colleague who doesn’t think they’re “qualified enough” to run?

Even if you don't think you are "qualified enough" there are many roles with different qualifications in which to serve. There are elected positions and volunteer positions, and you have talents that can help serve the Academy!

About Pamela Kays, PT, DPT, EdD, WCS, PRPC

Pamela Kays is an Associate Professor and the Director of Curriculum in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at A.T. Still University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in movement science, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and a Doctor of Education in health professions. She is passionate about her role in preparing future clinicians to assist others in treatment, recovery, and improving quality of life. Her primary teaching areas include biomechanics, pathophysiology, pelvic/women's health, psychosocial aspects of healthcare, and clinical gait analysis. She is a Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist, a Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner, and she continues to provide physical therapy services to women with pelvic conditions.

She is the recipient of the 2024 Arizona School of Health Sciences Educator of the Year Award, the 2022 Arizona School of Health Sciences Junior Faculty of the Year Award, the 2021 ATSU Innovation in Teaching for Learning Award, the Warner/Fermaturo and the ATSU Board of Trustees Research Grant, the co-recipient of the Women for ATSU Grant, and the co-recipient of the ATSU Physical Therapy Department Research Grant.

Dr. Kays serves on the Women’s Health Specialty Council for the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and is a member of the Nominating Committee for the Academy of Pelvic Health of the American Physical Therapy Association.