New Editor Appointed for Pediatric Physical Therapy
APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy (APTA Pediatrics) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jill Heathcock, PT, MPT, PhD, as the next Editor in Chief of Pediatric Physical Therapy, effective January 1, 2026.
Dr. Heathcock is a nationally recognized expert in pediatric physical therapy. She currently serves as Professor in the Division of Physical Therapy and Director of the PhD Program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University. In addition, she leads the Pediatric Assessment and Rehabilitation Laboratory (PEARL), where her research focuses on early motor development, neurodevelopmental disabilities, and the design of innovative interventions to improve outcomes for infants and young children.
With a distinguished record of grant funding, peer-reviewed publications, and editorial board service with several journals, Dr. Heathcock brings a thoughtful and evidence-driven approach to scientific publishing. Her commitment to rigorous research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clinical excellence position her well to lead Pediatric Physical Therapy as it continues grow in quality, impact, and global reach.
As we welcome Dr. Heathcock, we also extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Linda Fetters, who has served as Editor with distinction for the past decade. Under Dr. Fetters’s leadership, Pediatric Physical Therapy has flourished — expanding its international reach, enhancing its scholarly rigor, and strengthening its reputation as a leading journal in the field. We are deeply grateful for her dedication, vision, and outstanding service.
Drs. Heathcock and Fetters will collaborate closely in the coming months to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition in editorial leadership.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Heathcock on her appointment and in expressing our profound thanks to Dr. Fetters for her outstanding contributions to Pediatric Physical Therapy and APTA Pediatrics.