Awards & Recognition
Dr. Joshua Brooks has dedicated his career to helping others move with confidence, recover with purpose, and live with less pain. Along the way, his commitment to excellence in physiotherapy, patient care, and community impact has been recognized by peers, institutions, and professional bodies alike.
This page is a reflection of that journey—highlighting the honors, certifications, and milestones that speak to both his passion for healing and his ongoing pursuit of clinical excellence. While awards are appreciated, they are ultimately a reminder of the trust his patients place in him every day.
Explore some of the recognitions that have marked key moments in Dr. Brooks’ evolving career.
National Association of Orthopedic Physical Therapy – Clinical Excellence Award (2022)
This prestigious national award recognizes clinicians who set a benchmark in orthopedic care through innovation, evidence-based practice, and transformative patient outcomes. Dr. Brooks was selected for his integrative approach to treating chronic musculoskeletal conditions—particularly his customized rehabilitation programs that blend manual therapy, movement retraining, and functional neuroscience. His case studies on post-surgical knee recovery and lumbar disc rehabilitation were featured in the association’s annual clinical journal.
Top 40 Under 40 in Allied Health – American Health Professionals Forum (2021)
The AHFP’s “Top 40 Under 40” list honors young professionals across the U.S. who are shaping the future of healthcare through leadership, research, and community engagement. Dr. Brooks was recognized not only for his success in private practice, but for his educational workshops, development of post-injury performance programs for athletes, and his strong advocacy for interdisciplinary collaboration in pain management. His leadership has inspired a wave of younger clinicians to adopt holistic, patient-first models of care.
Best Physical Therapist – Atlanta Health & Wellness Awards (2020, 2023)
This prestigious national award recognizes clinicians who set a benchmark in orthopedic care through innovation, evidence-based practice, and transformative patient outcomes. Dr. Brooks was selected for his integrative approach to treating chronic musculoskeletal conditions—particularly his customized rehabilitation programs that blend manual therapy, movement retraining, and functional neuroscience. His case studies on post-surgical knee recovery and lumbar disc rehabilitation were featured in the association’s annual clinical journal.
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award – Emory University School of Medicine (2019)
Each year, Emory University honors alumni who demonstrate professional excellence and sustained contributions to their field. Dr. Brooks received this accolade just nine years post-graduation, making him one of the youngest recipients in the award’s history. His work bridging academic research with clinical application—as well as his mentorship of DPT students through Emory’s alumni residency program—has been credited with strengthening the university’s reputation for leadership in rehabilitative sciences.
Black Health Professionals Honor Roll – National Coalition for Inclusive Healthcare (2021)
This award highlights African American healthcare leaders making significant strides in equity, access, and community empowerment. Dr. Brooks was recognized for his role in launching outreach programs aimed at closing the gap in physical therapy access for minority populations in Georgia. He has also spearheaded scholarship drives for aspiring Black and Latinx physiotherapy students and frequently speaks on diversity in healthcare panels and podcasts.
Excellence in Community Health Outreach – Georgia Physical Therapy Network (2022)
Awarded to practitioners who have made a measurable difference in public health education, this honor was given to Dr. Brooks for his leadership in organizing MoveWell ATL, a community-based initiative offering free mobility screenings, chronic pain workshops, ergonomic assessments for local businesses, and virtual telehealth sessions during the height of the pandemic. The program has since been adopted by other cities as a model for proactive musculoskeletal care.
Research Innovation Grant – American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) (2020)
The APTA awarded this competitive grant to support Dr. Brooks’ research on combining manual therapy and neuroplasticity training in patients with long-standing pain. His study, conducted in partnership with a team of neurologists and clinical psychologists, showed statistically significant improvements in pain perception and functional independence. The research has since influenced clinical guidelines and was presented at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting in 2021.
Guest Lecturer & Keynote Speaker – National Sports Recovery Conference (2018–present)
As a respected voice in performance rehabilitation, Dr. Brooks has been invited to lecture at the NSRC for six consecutive years. His presentations have included topics like:
- “From Injury to Impact: Rebuilding Athletic Confidence”
- “The Psychology of Return-to-Play Protocols”
- “Optimizing Functional Recovery in High-Performance Athletes”
He is known for blending cutting-edge science with real-world application, and for his ability to translate complex rehab concepts into actionable insights for trainers, therapists, and athletes alike.