Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy | PhD Candidate in Higher Education Leadership | Servant Leader | Clinician | Educator | Researcher | Consultant | Business Owner | Veteran
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) APTA Academy of Education American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) National Association of Black Physical Therapists, Inc Rizing Tide Foundation Kai Kennedy Julia Chevan I'm grateful to the authors for their important work. The data garnered from this study shed light on a reality many of us have long been aware of. It highlights that Black and Brown (Latino) PT students and students from other systemically excluded racial and ethnic culture groups experience their education environments more negatively than their non-minoritized peers, yet they show a remarkable interest in serving underresourced and historically ignored communities. This research is a crucial step forward, providing benchmarks for academic institutions to self-assess and improve. Yet, it also echoes a frustrating truth—that the path to a more inclusive and diverse physical therapy profession is still fraught with challenges. From personal experience, Black and Brown (Latino) physical therapists and PTs from other systemically excluded racial and ethnic culture groups often feel isolated and unsupported, feelings that can and often do start as early as when they first embark on their journey as student physical therapists, a journey that often comes at a high price, literally and otherwise. While the findings might not surprise those of us who have been advocating for change, they underscore the urgent need for our profession to evolve. We must strive to create learning environments where all students, regardless of their race or ethnicity, feel valued, supported, and inspired. This isn't just about enriching our profession; it's about ensuring we can meet the needs of a diversifying society with empathy, understanding, and excellence. I'm hopeful that with studies like this, and the continued efforts of educators, professionals, and students alike, we can make strides towards a future where every physical therapist and learner can thrive, bringing their full selves to their education and practice. Let's use this as an opportunity to reflect, discuss, and work towards tangible change. Together, we can build a more inclusive, empathetic, and diverse physical therapy community that will benefit not only the members of our profession but the clients we strive to serve and society at large. #SiSePuede #DPTStudent #PhysicalTherapy #DEI #AcademicPT #PhysicalTherapist
???? Hot Off The Press ???? “National Benchmarks to Understand how Doctor of Physical Therapy Learners from Minoritized Race and Ethnicity Groups Perceive their Physical Therapist Education Program”
Wow! Jaime (“hi-meh”) Z. González, PT, DPT so well-stated!
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8 个月So many variables to consider here on why PTs from minority groups feel this way. I felt out of place because I didn't belong there at that age and time in my life. (I did not have the merit at that time but because of affirmative action, I was accepted instead of another more qualified white female student). Haven't fully digested that, but it's important to be truthful and transparent in life/research. We need to consider all variables whether we agree with them or not. Such as: Impact of social programs in minority groups, breakdown of nuclear family, public school education, etc.