Trailblazer Spotlight: Ann Dunbar, 1998 Elizabeth Noble Award Honoree
I received my BS in PT in 1974, 3 years before Elizabeth Noble founded this specialty section we now know as the Academy of Pelvic Health. Having taught post-partum exercises to Mom’s bedside in my first job, I had always been interested in women’s health. Continuing education courses on this topic were few and far between in the early 1980s so I audited a Maternity Nursing course at my local community college and then was delighted to learn that at VCU, I could design an Advanced Masters Degree curriculum focusing on Women’s Health. In addition to my basic coursework, I also received graduate credit for completing the ASPO/Lamaze Childbirth Educator curriculum.
During this time of study, I became familiar with the OB/GYN Section of the APTA. By the time I finished my Master’s Degree in 1987, the Section was looking for a Clinical Practices Editor for The Bulletin of the OB/GYN Section, the quarterly publication. I applied for and received the job, a position that I held for 10 years. This position would serve to feed my clinical practice as well as connect me with the leadership of the Section which further opened the door for serving in other ways. In 1992, I joined the Board of Directors as Treasurer, a position I served for 6 years. Because of these connections, I learned early on about the new pelvic floor courses the Section began offering so I jumped on that opportunity in 1990. With this transition, the OB/GYN Section would become the Section on Women’s Health and many years later, the Academy of Pelvic Health. I would say that as the Section grew and changed, so did I and so did my clinical practice of 44 years.
Receiving the Elizabeth Nobel Award in 1998 was a huge honor and a recognition of my contributions to an organization that gave back to me every bit as much as I gave. Saying ‘yes’ to the opportunity to work with other PTs who share the same passion and love of profession was the best decision, one that was life changing. It was this decision that opened the door to personal and professional growth and experiences, multi-layered networks and a lifetime wonderful friendships.
Know Someone Who Inspires Like Ann?
The Elizabeth Noble Award is the Academy’s highest honor, celebrating members who have made extraordinary and exemplary contributions to the field of physical therapy or to the Academy itself. If Ann’s story reminded you of someone whose passion, leadership, and dedication deserve recognition, we encourage you to submit a nomination. The 2026 Award Cycle is now open—nominations are due by October 15, 2025.
