Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences

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Des Moines University Professor and Physical Therapist Earns Prestigious APTA Outstanding Research Award

West Des Moines, IA (07/27/2026) — Shane McClinton, PT, DPT, PhD, who practices at Des Moines University Clinic and teaches at his alma mater, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, earned the American Physical Therapy Association's 2026 Outstanding Research Award.

This award promotes the publication of outstanding physical therapy research articles, including both foundational and clinical research impacting practice and patient care. It ties to McClinton's published research in PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal, documenting cost savings and better patient outcomes when physical therapy treatment is added to podiatry management of plantar heel pain.

"This award is the culmination of a line of research that began with my dissertation work in 2013 and evolved over the course of more than 12 years," says McClinton. "The recognition reflects what can be achieved through sustained effort and commitment to scholarship, even when research resources and protected time are limited."

McClinton received the award during the APTA Honors and Awards ceremony on July 11 in Portland, Oregon. That moment served as a reminder to him that impactful research often develops over many years, and DMU is an institution whose faculty contribute meaningful and influential work to their professions.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award," McClinton said. "The caliber of research conducted by APTA members is truly exceptional. I am grateful to be recognized among so many talented researchers who are contributing to the advancement of physical therapy and rehabilitation science."

Located in West Des Moines, part of Iowa's capital metro, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences offers graduate-level professional degree programs in anatomy, biomedical sciences, health care administration, medical science, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' scores on national examinations, pass rates on board certifications and match rates for medical residency programs are consistently higher than national averages and rates at peer institutions.

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Photo of Shane McClinton, PT, DPT, PhD and Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, president of the American Physical Therapy Association

Shane McClinton, PT, DPT, PhD and Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, president of the American Physical Therapy Association

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