Researcher Spotlight: Rick Segal, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Rick Segal, PT, PhD, FAPTA, spent his career working across clinical practice, neuroscience research, and academic leadership. The thread connecting these experiences is his approach to mentorship, which has shaped countless scholars, researchers, and educators across the profession. As a long-time mentor and one of the leaders behind the Training in Grantsmanship and Rehabilitation Research (TIGRR) workshop, he has played a key role in strengthening research training in rehabilitation science. In this interview, Rick reflects on the influences that guided his path, the role Foundation funding played early in his work, and the importance of strong mentorship in building a lasting career in physical therapy research.

Please note:
• Around 6:30, the speaker references “several retreats about education research.” This refers to one main retreat and several planning discussions held around education research efforts.

• Around 8:10, the speaker highlights the impact of research collaborations and mentees connected with efforts including ERRIS, TIGRR, GAMER, and the neuromodulation center. Collectively, these efforts have resulted in significant grant support over time, likely in the range of several hundred million dollars. While the exact amount is difficult to calculate, the overall impact on research funding has been substantial.

00:00 Introduction and Early Life
00:30 Discovering Physical Therapy
01:09 Graduate School and Neuroscience
02:43 Career Path
03:45 Leadership Roles and Mentorship
05:10 TIGRR and GAMER
06:30 Impact of Education Research
11:01 Advice for Aspiring Researchers
11:54 The Value of Research and Personal Reflections