UK College of Health Sciences Inducts Two into Hall of Fame

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 25, 2013) − The University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences inducted two exceptional alumni – Colonel David Greathouse and Holly Johnson – into its Hall of Fame during the annual Hall of Fame, Scholarship and Awards Dinner, which took place on March 21, 2013.

Greathouse is currently the director of clinical electrophysiology services, Texas Physical Therapy Specialists, New Braunfels, Texas.  He holds a bachelor's degree in biology and physical education from Marshall University, a certificate in physical therapy from the D.T. Watson School of Physiatrics, and a masters degree in education/physical therapy and a doctorate degree in anatomy from the University of Kentucky.   

Greathouse is a Diplomate, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. From 1970-1996, he served in the United States Army attaining the rank of Colonel. He has had clinical assignments at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.; Irwin Army Community Hospital, Fort Riley, Kansas; Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; and although Station Hospital, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium. From 1996-2005, Greathouse served as the founding chair and associate dean of the Belmont University School of Physical Therapy in Nashville.  During this time, he also was an adjunct professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine where he was a member of the anatomy team teaching gross anatomy to first year medical students. Greathouse also was a clinical electrophysiologist (EMG/NCS) in the neurology clinic, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital in Fort Campbell, Ky.

Greathouse has published more than 50 manuscripts and nine book chapters/monologues, and has given more than 100 professional presentations. He is currently the president of the board of directors and a member of the international editorial review board of the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT).  In addition, he is a manuscript reviewer for Physical Therapy and Clinical Anatomy.  Greathouse is a past member of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (1989-1993 and 2005-2009; chair 1991-1993), Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (2005-2009).

“As an active duty Army physical therapist, two of the highlights of my 26 years in the military was my selection to attend graduate school (MS, 1975-1976; PhD, 1982-1985) at the University of Kentucky,” said Greathouse. “During both my master’s and doctoral degree programs, two exemplary components of my graduate education at UK were the flexibility of the programs and the mentorship provided me both academically and clinically.”

Holly Johnson graduated from UK’s Physical Therapy program in 1986.  She later went on to earn a doctorate of physical therapy from A.T. Still University in 2005. A life-long resident of Harlan, Ky. Johnson has more than 25 years of experience as a physical therapist and clinic director and has been a managing shareholder of PT Pros for more than 20 years. She has also served as a clinical educator for several PT programs – including the University of Kentucky, Bellarmine University, and LSU – and, in fact, her colleagues often comment on her gifts as a highly motivating educator and captivating speaker.

“My experience at UK was awesome," she said.  "Twenty-seven years ago I was privileged to receive the best physical therapy educational background possible. Dr. Art Nitz, Lavonne Yeager, Richard McDougall, Debbie Brown, Debbie Kelly, and Brenda Gosney were a few of my excellent professors who are still role models to this day."

Being from southeastern Kentucky, Johnson said it was imperative that she form relationships with health care professionals that would serve as great referral sources for her future patients. The UK program offered both a cutting edge, state-of-the-art PT education and professional mentoring that has continued throughout my career. Bringing the highest quality physical therapy services to eastern Kentucky through our company, PT Pros, has been my life’s privilege.”

Johnson's areas of interest include manual treatment of spine, sports medicine, orthopedics, chronic pain management, industrial rehab and women’s health. Since 2010, she has worked closely with Global Health Outreach – a ministry branch of the Christian Medical and Dental Association – to develop a first-of-its-kind PT outreach program in Ometepe, Nicaragua.

She is an active member of the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association (KPTA), in which she has held multiple offices. In 2009, KPTA presented her with the Outstanding Physical Therapist Award. She was chosen as Health Care Provider of the Year in 2001 by the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce. She is also an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

The annual Hall of Fame induction event provides an opportunity to celebrate with the college’s student scholarship and award recipients. The event provides the chance for the college to honor outstanding alumni and celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of students. In turn, students are able to meet the outstanding alumni and learn more about the potentials of life after college.

For more information on the College of Health Sciences visit www.mc.uky.edu/healthsciences or call (859)323-1100.

Media Contact: Ann Blackford at ann.blackford@uky.edu or (859) 312-3587.