Graci Finco
Background
Dr. Graci Finco, is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy in the School of Health Professions at the University of Health Science Center (UNTHSC). She also has a secondary appointment in the Center for Anatomical Science within the School of Biomedical Sciences.
She directs the Limb Loss and Difference Lab, where her research focuses on improving prosthetic care for people with limb loss (i.e. amputation etiology) and limb difference (i.e. congenital etiology). Her primary research directions are: 1) fall risk screening, 2) musculoskeletal health, and 3) perspectives on ethics, research, and technology. She also teaches courses in gait, orthotics and prosthetics, as well as conducting clinical research.
She is currently contracted with the Amputee Coalition as an External Evaluator to measure program improvement and is on the Board of Directors for the O&P Foundation, where she serves on the Research Committee. She has mentored a wide variety of students in clinical research, secured competitive funding, published manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, and has been invited to speak at numerous national conferences.
Why did you apply?
I applied for the AOPA-COPL award to fund the main project of my PhD dissertation work.
How did the funding help you meet your goals?
Without the AOPA-COPL award, I would not have been able to complete my dissertation work. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to shift my dissertation work further from clinical practice. Receiving this award not only allowed me to complete my dissertation work, but allowed me to resume the line of clinically relevant research I began pursuing prior to the pandemic.
How did the funding impact your career?
The award has allowed me to publish multiple manuscripts, which I have used as pilot data to apply for NIH R21 funding related to fall risk. I was able to demonstrate, through receiving this award, that I could lead a funded study and proficiently execute all associated tasks and skills.
What did the funding mean to you personally?
This award symbolized (and continues to symbolize) my field’s commitment to me (as a CPO going back to school for a PhD) to benefit our profession and our patients.
