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Charlene Portee, PT, PhD, fellow of the American Academy of Physical Therapy, delivered the second Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Physical Therapy on June 17, 2021. The title of the lecture is "The Road to Success: Are We Ready to Change Direction?"

Immediately following the lecture is a live panel discussion including:

  • Kai Kennedy, PT, DPT (moderator), associate professor, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of California, San Francisco.
  • Tiffany Adams, PT, DPT, MBA, board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy, and clinical assistant professor at Winston-Salem State University.
  • Leon Anderson III, PT, MOMT, president of Sports and Spine Physical Therapy, Ohio and North Carolina.
  • Rachel Herron, PT, DPT, chair of the APTA Washington Special Committee for DEI and physical therapist at Northwest Wellness, Federal Way, Washington.

Viewing the Lecture and Panel Discussion

There is no fee to watch the lecture and no registration required. However, the cosponsoring organizations ask that viewers donate at least $10 to one of the following:

About the Lecturer

Charlene Portee, PT, PhD, is the dean of the College of Health Sciences, interim director of the Physical Therapy Department, and a tenured associate professor in the Physical Therapy Program at Alabama State University. She is a charter member and fellow of the American Academy of Physical Therapy and served as their president for nine years.

About the Lecture

The Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture is cosponsored by the Physical Therapy Learning Institute, American Academy of Physical Therapy, National Association of Black Physical Therapists, American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, the APTA Academy of Education, and APTA. This lecture is held annually around Juneteenth.

The inaugural lecture was delivered by Gregory Hicks, PT, PhD, FAPTA, on July 1, 2020, and featured a related panel discussion.

Find additional information and resources about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture Sponsors

More on DEI

APTA's landing page on diversity, equity, and inclusion includes resources, articles, and an activity form where individuals and groups are encouraged to share their DEI action.

View More on DEI