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The Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP) announced that Gannon University has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 ASAHP Award for Innovation and Excellence in Clinical Education for its project, “Enhancing Inclusive Clinical Skills in Athletic Training Students Using Adapted Fitness Experiences.” They will be recognized at the 2026 ASAHP Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Led by John Roberts Jr., EdD, LAT, ATC, assistant professor and program director of the Master of Athletic Training program, the project expands athletic training students’ exposure to persons living with disabilities through an adapted-fitness partnership with Functional Performance, a nonprofit organization focused on adapted fitness. 

The project addresses an important need in health professions education. Through the experience, students develop skills in exercise modification, physical assistance, communication and goal assessment while gaining hands-on experience in an interprofessional, community-based setting. The project also helped students develop a greater appreciation for adaptability and individualized care when working with adapted athletes. 

“Gannon University’s project reflects the kind of innovative, hands-on clinical education that ASAHP seeks to recognize,” said ASAHP President Jon Williamson, PhD, FASAHP, dean of the School of Health Professions at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “By expanding health professions students’ clinical experience with persons living with disabilities, this initiative strengthens students’ confidence and preparedness to provide patient-centered care. We look forward to seeing its continued impact on the communities they serve.” 

“I am grateful for Dr. Roberts’ leadership and the group’s commitment to students and their clinical learning experiences,” said Kimberly Cavanagh, DHSc, PA-C, dean of the Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences at Gannon University. “Their dedication to providing additional clinical experiences expands students’ exposure, enhances clinical skills, and contributes to students’ ability to serve a diverse patient population. This project clearly demonstrates the innovation and excellence in clinical education that this award highlights.” 

The ASAHP Award for Innovation and Excellence in Clinical Education recognizes initiatives that demonstrate creativity, impact and leadership in preparing future health professionals for effective clinical practice.  

About ASAHP 

The Association of School Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP) is a national professional organization of 130 universities and employers focused on critical issues affecting health professions education. ASAHP’s mission is to advance health professions education and discovery through interprofessional collaboration, leadership, excellence and innovation. As much as 60% of the U.S. healthcare workforce may be classified as ‘health professions’ which are distinct from medicine, nursing and dentistry, yet equally vital to the health and wellbeing of our society.