![Dr. Highsmith (fourth from left) poses for a quick photo during a training mission with his U.S. Army Reserve physical therapy and occupational therapy colleagues.]](https://i0.wp.com/www.usa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/faculty-spotlight-2.png?resize=1200%2C628&ssl=1)
Dr. Highsmith (fourth from left) poses for a quick photo during a training mission with his U.S. Army Reserve physical therapy and occupational therapy colleagues.]
Jason Highsmith, PT, DPT, PhD, CP, FAAOP (USAHS DPT ’03), embodies the true spirit of being a force for good. As a physical therapist and officer in the U.S. Army Reserves and national director of Orthotic, Prosthetic & Pedorthic Clinical Services (OPPCS) at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C., Dr. Highsmith has dedicated his life to advancing care for those in need.
A dual-licensed physical therapist and board-certified prosthetist, Dr. Highsmith is positioned to meet the complex needs of veterans and individuals with limb loss. Through his clinical leadership and research initiatives, he works to improve patient outcomes and raise the standard of care.
His proactive leadership ensures that U.S. veterans receive high-quality, compassionate care. “Dr. Highsmith exemplifies exceptional responsiveness,” writes the nominator for his Force for Good award. “His role requires swift and effective responses to evolving challenges to improve service delivery and outcomes for veterans nationwide.”
Championing Underserved Communities
Beyond his national influence, Dr. Highsmith engages in grassroots service. In his Florida community, he spearheads programs that uplift underserved populations, including organizing pro bono clinics for individuals experiencing homelessness and hosting inclusive activity days at Camp No Limits—a team-building program for children with limb differences and their families.
His dedication has inspired others to follow in his footsteps. As Dr. Scott Love, Associate Professor of PT programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), explains, “Dr. Highsmith’s inspiration in helping underserved populations, USAHS alumni and students developed a limb loss/limb difference support group two years ago.”
Dr. Love says that, to this day, the group works with amputees, many with low socioeconomic backgrounds, and Dr. Highsmith is always available to share wisdom and insight on amputee clients.
Dr. Highsmith also contributes to national efforts like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Hooked on Evidence initiative. This reflects his commitment to improving care and making a difference in communities through evidence-based practices.
Guiding the Next Generation
Dr. Highsmith’s impact extends into academia and the broader healthcare education landscape. He serves as a mentor and advisor across multiple universities and military training programs, shaping the next generation of physical therapists, army medics and nurses.
He has served as president of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP), managed a robust research portfolio and authored numerous peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. Highsmith shares his expertise in limb loss rehabilitation and prosthetics with local and national audiences. He is frequently invited to speak at conferences, including those hosted by the AAOP, APTA, American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and the Amputee Coalition of America (AC). His mentorship continues through his service on several dissertation committees at top-tier institutions, helping to guide critical research in the field.
“Throughout his career, Dr. Jason Highsmith has consistently responded to the needs of veterans, students and the broader community,” says his award nominator. “His contributions have led to significant advancements in patient care, research and education, ultimately building stronger and more resilient communities.”
A Call to Impact
At the Summer 2024 USAHS St. Augustine, FL campus commencement ceremony, Dr. Highsmith was honored with the Force for Good award. During his address to graduates, he spoke of the power each person holds to create change:
“To be a force for good starts with recognizing our own power. Each of us, regardless of our background, has the capacity to influence others and the world around us. This influence can be small—a kind word, a helping hand or a moment of empathy—or it can be large—a movement, a campaign or a bold stand for what is right. Whether small or large, every action has a ripple effect. We may not see the immediate impact, but rest assured, our choices reverberate through the lives of others in ways we might never imagine.
Being a force for good also requires courage. It’s not always easy to do the right thing, especially when it goes against the grain or when the outcome is uncertain. But true courage is not the absence of fear—it is the determination to act despite it. When we stand up for justice, for kindness, for the well-being of others, we embody the courage that this world needs. We become beacons of light, guiding others toward hope and positivity.
Moreover, being a force for good means embracing compassion. It means seeing humanity in every person we encounter, understanding their struggles and offering a hand when they need it most. Compassion breaks down barriers and builds bridges. It reminds us that we are all interconnected, that the well-being of one contributes to the well-being of all.”
Dr. Highsmith is transforming healthcare through his devotion to service, education and innovation, while inspiring the next generation to lead with social responsibility.
