Gordon Estlack, PT, DPT, OCS, GCS, Cert MDT, a 2003 graduate, with distinction, of the Physical Therapist Assisting Technology program is the 2024 Roger T. Beitler Distinguished Former Student Award recipient. He currently works as a physical therapist at the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio in Findlay, Ohio.
He was presented the award as part of the Kent State University at Ashtabula spring commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 9, 2024 in Susan J. Stocker Hall.
“I have nothing but fond memories of my time at Kent State Ashtabula,” Estlack said. “When researching possible avenues to become a physical therapist assistant, I visited several schools but Kent State Ashtabula stood out as the most welcoming and professional. The faculty and administration were so encouraging that I felt like I could not fail in my academic endeavors. During school, I was able to attend a national conference and realized my education was comparable to or exceeded those from other schools in the country. I came home with renewed confidence in my professors and I am eternally grateful for their guidance and fervor.”
Estlack went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Kent State University in 2006, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Integrated Health Studies. He graduated from the University of Findlay in 2009 with his Master of Physical Therapy degree. He graduated with his post professional doctorate degree in physical therapy from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona in 2020.
He has earned his orthopaedic and geriatric board certifications from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. He is also certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy through the McKenzie Institute USA. He has been an adjunct faculty member of the University of Findlay since 2008 and is also an adjunct professor at Hanover College since 2021. He also has held membership in the American Physical Therapy Association, the Ohio Physical Therapy Association, and the Orthopaedic Section since 2002.
Estlack has served on various advisory committees for program and curriculum development as well as new student admissions at the University of Findlay. He has been a past advisory member of the PTA program at Kent State Ashtabula and has been involved in clinical research regarding dry needling as well as therapeutic exercise involving Pilates. He is currently integrating sonography into his practice to examine and diagnose musculoskeletal conditions of the spine and extremities. He is an American Physical Therapy Association credentialed instructor and has been mentoring clinical students since 2012. He is the 2017 Karen O’Loughlin Clinical Instructor award winner for the Ohio and Kentucky consortium. He was the 2003 Kent State Ashtabula Outstanding Student recipient for the Physical Therapist Assisting Technology class as well as the 2002 Student Life Inspirational award winner.
He lives in Findlay, Ohio with his wife Mary, and is a committee member with the Hancock County Parkinsons Network to promote a greater awareness of services available to those with this disease.