Linda Crane lecture "Integrity"

Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, Jun 2001 by Ciesla, Nancy

Pam Catlin refers to Linda as a consistent, determined warrior regarding clinical specialty certification. Linda was the chair of the Cardiopulmonary Section during the initial specialty council work of developing the examination, and initially certifying physical therapists. Linda did not allow the Section to falter in its commitment to this important project. Not allowing the Section to falter meant having many tense debates about commitment of Section monies. This required that Linda speak and listen with the skill that allowed continued commitment to prevail. She played a key role in the development and validation of clinical competencies for advanced practice. Linda also upheld the integrity of the specialization process when she was a delegate from Florida and presented 2 motions to the House of Delegates dealing with the process itself. Linda served as a delegate for the state of Maine. Linda also received the Lucy Blair Service Award in 1992, for outstanding dedication and service to the profession. Pam Catlin remembers Linda never backing away from taking a hard position or from a confrontation to assure that the "right" action prevailed. Linda struggled with controversy, it was difficult for her; yet she would take the necessary risks to herself and stand up for what she believed to be true and good. In one of her jobs she found the politics very difficult to navigate, yet Linda felt "sticking to her guns" was more important than being a Director.

The third step of integrity is probably the hardest of all to fulfill, yet seems very simple. The person living an integral life must be willing to say that he or she is acting consistently with what he or she had decided is right. One of Linda's regrets was that due to her illness she had not completed the paperwork for recertification as a cardiopulmonary specialist. I was very fortunate to be able to spend 3 days with Linda during her last week of life. Through the work and support of Ellen Hillegass, the University of Miami faculty, Linda's mother, and the ABPTS we were able to complete the paperwork necessary for Dr. Crane to be granted recertification as a Cardiopulmonary Specialist, the day before she passed away. I'd like to share a moment with you, which exemplifies Linda's character, acting consistency with her beliefs and high ethical standards. Any of you who have gone through the specialization process are aware that the documents must be notarized prior to being submitted to APTA. Ellen and I had been calling and emailing back and forth to get all the paperwork together for several weeks. While I was in Miami, and with the support of the University of Miami faculty (they even gave me secretarial help, a conference room, and phone to use), I was putting the last minute touches on things for Ellen. Finally, we had everything completed. I drove back to the Hospice unit where Linda was hospitalized and with a few logistical obstacles I was able to get a notary to come to Linda's room to witness her signature. Guess what-Linda refused to sign the application without talking to Pam Catlin. Let me tell you, I was not happy with Linda at that moment. True to Linda's integrity she wanted to make sure that what Ellen and I were submitting was not flawed and that she truly had the credentials. Luckily we were able to reach Pam who assured Linda that things were on the up and up. Not 30 minutes later an administrator/physical therapist at the hospital came to Linda's room to ask if she could be of any assistance. Through her efforts everything was notarized and faxed to APTA, and Linda received her Cardiopulmonary Recertification. Looking back and reflecting upon Linda's initial reluctance to sign the application now makes me laugh, this gave me another fond memory of her. That even in her last few days of life she acted consistently with what she had decided was right; she was truly amazing. That's Linda, she would never accept anything she had not earned and did not truly deserve. This is the situation that led me to the topic of integrity for this talk.