The award recognizes extraordinary contributions to the field of sports physical therapy through mentorship, education and research.

BY YASMINE PEZESHKPOUR MCG ’16

FOR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF CLINICAL PHYSICAL THERAPY Jonathan Sum ’01, DPT ’05, the journey to becoming a nationally recognized leader in sports physical therapy began with an unassuming dinner in Pasadena early in his teaching career.

Encouraged by his mentor, Professor-Clinical Scholar Kornelia Kulig, to connect with colleague Professor-Clinical Scholar Lori Michener, he brought along his under-the-weather infant daughter, unaware that this small act of mentorship would spark a career-defining focus.

“Whether it’s a chance meeting or a well-developed mentoring relationship, these kinds of connections have the power to shape someone’s path as they have for me,” Sum reflects.

That informal encounter paved the way for years of impactful research collaboration on shoulder biomechanics, innovative clinical practices and a commitment to advancing sports physical therapy education.

Now the recipient of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy’s (AASPT) 2025 Lynn Wallace Excellence in Clinical Education and Professional Development Award, Sum is committed to creating those same transformative opportunities for others.

Mentorship and clinical education leadership

As a USC DPT faculty member and director of the USC Upper Extremity Athlete Physical Therapy Fellowship, Sum has mentored countless physical therapy students, residents and fellows.

“He consistently makes time for one-on-one mentoring, providing tailored feedback that fosters open dialogue and inspires growth,” says Clinical Director and Associate Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy Aimee Diaz.

“Graduates often express profound gratitude to Dr. Sum for helping them to advance in their careers.” Sum’s research has reshaped the clinical understanding of upper extremity injuries through groundbreaking studies on shoulder biomechanics, with more than 20 peer-reviewed publications and national-level collaborations.

He also leverages his expertise in academic settings where his passion for teaching transforms learners into exceptional clinicians.

“His student-focused mentoring style is to ask guiding questions, promote discussion for student discovery and facilitate an environment for curiosity and lifelong learning,” says Michener, who has partnered with Sum on five research publications.

“He is one of the best clinical mentors at USC and that I’ve encountered nationally.”

A commitment to USC and sports physical therapy

Sum’s relationship with USC began in 1997 as an undergraduate kinesiology major, progressed as a physical therapy aide at the USC Physical Therapy faculty practice in 1999 and continued when he decided to pursue his DPT degree at USC. His connection to the university deepened when he joined as faculty in 2006.

“USC has given me the opportunity to work with incredible colleagues and students,” he says. “The collaborative environment here fuels my passion for clinical excellence and innovation.”

Sum’s impact on sports physical therapy extends beyond USC’s campus. His leadership roles within AASPT and other professional organizations have raised the profile of upper extremity physical therapy nationally.

His service at the national level has earned him such accolades as the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists Founders Award. He also remains committed to USC’s community, providing mentorship that shapes future generations of physical therapists.

“This award affirms the value of the work we do as clinical educators and healthcare providers. It’s a reminder that investing in others brings immeasurable rewards for the future of the profession,” Sum says.

“Most importantly, our patients are the greatest benefactors of our relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Sum will receive his award at the AASPT Award Ceremony in February at American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting in Houston, where his contributions will be celebrated by peers from across the country.