Kimiko Yamada, DPT, director of the Oncology Physical Therapy Residency Program at the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, is receiving national recognition for her efforts to promote and advance physical therapy as a critical resource for cancer survivors.

Yamada will receive an APTA Clinical Excellence in Oncologic Physical Therapy Award at this year’s APTA Combined Sections Meeting, taking place in mid-February. The honor recognizes her commitment to improving the lives of cancer survivors, while meeting standards of professionalism and compassion.

The award will help bring attention to a growing field, she says. In 2024, there were an estimated 2 million new cases of cancer in the United States, according to government statistics. Meanwhile, the five-year survival rates are on the rise with the advent of less invasive surgeries and radiation treatments, and more targeted chemotherapies. Innovative immunotherapies and stem cell transplants also are improving patient survival rates.

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