Dr. Randi Moak Richardson, a Bogue Chitto native, has been named by the University of Mississippi Medical Center as the recipient of its School of Health Related Professions’ Early Career Achievement Award.

Richardson, a 2010 graduate of the physical therapy program, has stacked up a variety of professional experiences in the dozen years since she earned her doctorate.

After going on to complete the sports physical therapy residency program at UMMC, she moved to Orlando and worked in sports medicine for nine years, and along the way became dual certified in sports physical therapy and orthopedic physical therapy.

She joined the faculty at the University of Central Florida as an assistant professor in 2020 to assist with a new clinical faculty practice. Two years later, she has a dual role: providing physical therapy to student athletes, students, faculty and staff; and providing clinical application in labs and supervision to Doctor of Physical Therapy students. The practice also provides physical therapy to the community.

“Randi’s Early Achievement Award is based on her diligence to pursue professional excellence, contributing to young minds, and providing outreach to her community,” said Ryan Blakeney, SHRP Alumni Board president. “Her work with people during times of struggle and returning them to their normal lives is hard work, but she has shown that challenges simply propel her to succeed.”

Richardson’s biggest influence in becoming a physical therapist was watching her mother heal from an injury. Just 12 years old at the time, she will never forget how encouraging the physical therapist, whose name she still remembers, was to her mom.

That’s not all that excited her about the career as a child.

“I loved that the field was active, involved working with athletes, and allowed me to serve others using a holistic approach,” said Richardson.  “As a former collegiate athlete, I am able to understand the demands of the sport, pressure from the coaching staff and the injured athletes’ desire to return to play.  My passions are orthopedics, sports, and physical therapy education. My current position allows me to share all three passions on a daily basis.”

“The University of Mississippi and SHRP prepared me with the knowledge and experience to build the foundation to start my career as a physical therapist,” said Richardson.

Her most recent accomplishment came last year when she was elected an item writer/subject area content expert by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties for the Sports Clinical Specialist exam.

Still, the Lincoln County native, who with husband Ryan has two sons, believes there’s a lot more to learn. So, she plans to soon pursue a doctorate in kinesiology/sports science.

“Dr. Richardson possesses an impressive skillset in her provision of quality clinical services, dynamic education and effective operational oversight,” said Dr. Whitney Warrington Bondurant, department business administrator in pediatrics and president-elect of the SHRP Alumni Board. “Her dedication to mentorship and education will create a lasting impact on her field and the communities she serves.”