Listen to an audio version of this column, voiced by the author.

"You are the first medical person to explain my condition to me."

"The doctor just gave me medication and told me to go to physical therapy."

If I had a dollar for every time one of my Black patients said that to me, I would be a semi-rich woman. It is both reassuring yet disturbing that I encounter patients every day who look at me with awe, first because I am a Black physical therapist, then because I am willing and able to assist them with overcoming their disease or condition.