Dr. McKinley Pollock a 2021 graduate of Campbell University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, has been recognized nationally with the 2025 Emerging Leader Award from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Pollock was selected as North Carolina’s nominee and went on to be chosen as one of the national award recipients.
The Emerging Leader Award honors outstanding physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in the first decade of their careers who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the association and the profession.
Since graduating from Campbell, Pollock has practiced with Wayne Cannon Physical Therapy & Associates and previously served at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital. He credits his colleagues, mentors, and professors at Campbell for inspiring him to pursue involvement with APTA and encouraging creativity and innovation in his clinical practice.
“Thank you to my professors at Campbell, specifically Dr. Brad Myers and Dr. Michelle Green. Both were influential in teaching foundations of physical therapy that I have built my entire practice around,” said Dr. Pollock. “Dr. Myers, Dr. Green, and the rest of my professors at Campbell showed my classmates and me that our practice didn’t have to be limited to the clinic and that physical therapy goes further than anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Campbell taught us how to focus intentionally on our relationships with healthcare as a whole – with our patients, our colleagues, our community, and our professional organization.”
In addition to his clinical work, Pollock has been an active leader in APTA North Carolina, contributing through service, mentorship, and professional involvement. He expressed gratitude to Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, and the APTA NC leadership team for their guidance, noting that he looks forward to what can be accomplished together in the years ahead.
“Dr. Pollock’s recognition as a national APTA Emerging Leader reflects exactly what our program strives for,” said Dr. Bradley Myers, Campbell University Doctor of Physical Therapy Chair & Director. “We graduate physical therapists who are not only skilled and compassionate but also step forward to lead, advocate, and influence the profession. His commitment to service and leadership is a powerful example of Campbell’s mission in action.”