IAOTP names Dr. Katherine Cwiklinski Top Female Trailblazer in Physical Therapy

The International Association of Top Professionals will honor Dr. Katherine Cwiklinski at its December 2026 awards gala at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. The recognition highlights her leadership at Paragon Physical Therapy, her clinical work and her influence in the physical therapy field. Why it matters: - The award recognizes a physical therapy leader for patient care, innovation and professional impact. - IAOTP’s honor can expand Dr. Katherine Cwiklinski’s visibility within healthcare and among industry peers. - The recognition also spotlights women leaders in physical therapy and the growing focus on mentorship and career advancement in the field. What happened: - The International Association of Top Professionals selected Dr. Katherine Cwiklinski for its Top Female Trailblazer Award in Physical Therapy. - IAOTP will honor Dr. Cwiklinski at its Annual Awards Gala in December 2026 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. - Dr. Cwiklinski is the owner and operator of Paragon Physical Therapy. The details: - IAOTP described the Trailblazer Award as one of its most distinguished honors for professionals who break barriers and lead with vision and resilience. - Dr. Cwiklinski has more than two decades of experience in physical therapy. - Her practice focuses on patient-centered care, advanced rehabilitation techniques and helping patients regain strength, mobility and confidence. - Her specialties include orthopedic and sports physical therapy, joint replacement rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, neurological rehabilitation and treatment for acute stroke sufferers. - Dr. Cwiklinski uses manual therapy techniques for conditions involving the shoulder, hip, knee, ankle and spine. - She is a certified Ergonomic Assessment Expert through the Back School of Atlanta. - She is trained in LSVT BIG therapy for people living with Parkinson’s disease. - Dr. Cwiklinski earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, now Rutgers University, in 2005. - IAOTP says Dr. Cwiklinski has previously received Top Doctor of the Year in Physical Therapy, Empowered Woman of the Year and Top Doctor of Physical Therapy of the Decade. - Her past recognition also included a Nasdaq billboard feature in Times Square and a chapter in IAOTP’s Top 50 Fearless Leaders publication. - The announcement included a link to the gala page: award gala information . - More information on IAOTP is available at IAOTP . Between the lines: - The award fits IAOTP’s broader model of using recognition to build professional networks and public profiles. - Dr. Cwiklinski’s profile blends clinical credentials, workplace ergonomics and neurological rehab, which suggests a practice positioned across several patient needs. - The emphasis on mentorship and continuing education points to a leadership profile that extends beyond direct patient treatment. What’s next: - Dr. Cwiklinski will receive the honor at IAOTP’s December 2026 gala in New York City. - She expects to keep expanding her impact in physical therapy while supporting others’ professional and personal growth. - IAOTP will continue recognizing selected professionals through its invitation-based awards and networking programs.