Five Physical Therapists Win Rizing Tide Grants

Breaking through the costly barriers of advanced medical training just became much easier for five dedicated clinicians. The Rizing Tide Foundation has officially announced its 2026 Surge Scholarship recipients, granting these future healthcare leaders vital financial and professional support.

Postgraduate residency programs allow physical therapists to master demanding specialties such as neurology, cardiopulmonary health, and acute hospital care. Yet the steep combination of tuition fees, travel costs, and basic living expenses often places advanced clinical training out of reach.

To break down those financial hurdles, Rizing Tide is providing up to $10,000 directly to each selected scholar. Industry veteran Dr. Heidi Jannenga launched the foundation in 2020 to build a therapy workforce that truly mirrors the diverse communities it serves.

An expert selection committee chose this cohort based on academic excellence, personal integrity, and an inspiring commitment to patient advocacy. Each therapist brings a profound drive to expand access to care for historically underserved populations.

This year's honorees include doctoral clinicians Cortez Espinoza, Palak Patel, and Cinthia Rosales, alongside rising stars Amara Cunningham and Alexis Miller. These gifted practitioners will soon deepen their clinical expertise at renowned medical centers, including Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Utah.

The Ripple Effect

When patients see their own backgrounds and cultures reflected in their care team, trust grows and clinical outcomes improve dramatically. By championing these five scholars, the foundation helps ensure that high-need communities receive compassionate, culturally competent rehabilitation care.

To date, Rizing Tide has pledged $2.8 million and awarded 123 life-changing scholarships to empower rising physical therapy professionals. This thriving community of nearly one hundred scholars continues to mentor newcomers and open doors across the entire healthcare landscape.

Beyond the financial award, recipients gain a lifelong professional network that offers mentorship and collaborative career opportunities. That sustained guidance empowers them to step boldly into administrative leadership and university faculty roles down the road.

With heavy financial burdens out of the way, these five brilliant healers are ready to reshape the future of physical therapy.