Dr. Erica Parazo Selected by Texas Physical Therapy Association to Receive Ruby Decker Award

Our Clinic Director, Dr. Erica Parazo, PT, DPT, GCS, NCS, CLT, CEEAA, has been selected by the Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) to receive the Ruby Decker Award. Ruby Decker was a pioneer in physical therapy who had a long and devoted career in service to patients and teaching the rising generation of physical therapists. This award recognizes physical therapists who embody humble service, community leadership, and professional excellence in advancing the practice of physical therapy.

Dr. Parazo has committed her career to advancing her knowledge and skills. In just four years after graduating from the University of Central Florida with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT), Dr. Parazo reached a level of mastery that very few clinicians ever obtain: Dual Board Specialties. She is certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists as a Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy and Geriatric Physical Therapy. This means she has advanced clinical practice and expertise in these areas. Dr. Parazo also went on to earn credentials as a Certified Lymphedema Specialist, Certified Exercise Expert for the Aging Adult, and Certification in Dry Needling. Not only does this diverse clinical skill set allow her to provide some of the highest quality care to the San Antonio community, but she gives back to the future of our profession by mentoring students as an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Credentialed Clinical Instructor. She has mentored eight students in her career and helps them sharpen their clinical reasoning skills long before they ever set foot in their first clinic.

Dr. Parazo also has a strong legacy of service. She has served in various volunteer roles in our professional association including Texas Delegate-at-Large, TPTA Nominating Committee member and chair, TPTA Membership Committee Co-Chair, and TPTA Central District Secretary. In her role as Delegate- at- Large, Dr. Parazo championed a motion which led to an APTA Position Statement recommending family- forward policies and programs for employers of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Seeing a need for more support and community for clinicians with families, Erica serves as the founder and chair of the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation catalyst group, Parents in PT.

Dr. Parazo’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to elevating our profession make this recognition a powerful reflection of the impact she has on patients, colleagues, and the future of physical therapy. We are honored to celebrate her contributions at the PTTX Annual Conference later this month.