Alfred Caffiero Scholarship

For many years, Al Caffiero has been one of the most prominent physical therapists in Western New York. Throughout his distinguished career, he has displayed a caring attitude, altruism, creativity, clinical insight, dedication to the profession, and an inspiring degree of optimism. Consistent with Al's vision for the profession of physical therapy and his caring attitude toward students, he and his friends have established this scholarship for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students at the University at Buffalo (UB).

The primary goal of Caffiero Scholarships is to assist the selected scholar(s) with financial support during the last year of DPT study. Thus, applicants must be DPT students in their second year of professional study at UB. Selection criteria include history of community/professional service, financial need, professional promise, and academic performance.

Here are just a few of the people who have been touched by Al Caffiero:

Ron Schenk, Clinical Associate Professor

I first met Al at a continuing education course being presented by a highly recognized physical therapist. Although Al was attending as a participant, he eagerly presented a case study of a patient he was treating. To the surprise of the group, he came up to the front of the room and demonstrated a novel technique he was using. I still use that technique on some of my patients today, and have seen it demonstrated in courses twenty years later. Al continues to exhibit this same enthusiasm, which he utilizes to benefit his patients, students, and employees. Al has great respect for learning, whether it is through continuing ed, higher ed, or scientific reading and it is my impression that he sees learning and practice as the best way to advance his profession, help his patients, and battle his disease.

I am very proud to say that I am a friend of Al Caffiero.

Dale Fish had written his paragraph to congratulate Al when we hosted a dinner in his honor in 2000:

Faculty and staff at UB are delighted to congratulate our friend, Al Caffiero, as we celebrate the numerous contributions he has made to the profession of physical therapy throughout his career. As a long-time member of our Clinical Faculty, Al has nurtured many of our students, helping them to bridge the occasionally treacherous gap between academic preparation and the real-world practice of PT. Al has also provided employment to many of our graduates, launching more than a few into truly productive professional careers. Al has also distinguished himself by actively participating in basic research, specifically, coauthoring work related to muscular dystrophy through collaboration with Dr. Michael Hudecki, of the UB Department of Biological Sciences. Those of us who have come to know Al well, have marveled at his boundless energy, his creativity, and the tenacity with which he has sought information on new approaches to physical therapy interventions. Al, this is a special event, for a special friend. Thank you.

Sue Bennett, Clinical Associate Professor:

Al has always been a leader in the western New York Physical Therapy Community. His leadership spans beyond the development of the first Physical Therapy Private Corporation in Western New York. Al was a leader in Evidence Based Practice before it had hit the mainstream of health care. In the 1980s and 1990s he conducted clinical research to investigate the best treatment approach in managing Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) a painful condition that involves the arm. In his investigation of RSD he continued his role as an educator, inviting physical therapy students to work with him and learn the skills of clinical research.

Al has given much to the profession of physical therapy and the academic program at UB, and he will serve as a role model for our doctors of physical therapy students for years to come.