Skip to main content

dei-1000x350.jpg

As an African American male, Chukwuemeka Nwigwe, PT, DPT — a member of the California Physical Therapy Association Board of Directors and a University of Southern California faculty member — had been approached by various chapter members asking why more minorities aren't physical therapists and physical therapist assistants and what could be done to bridge the gap.

Nwigwe's experience characterizes the need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical, educational, and research settings.

APTA could not agree more. Its commitment to increasing DEI in the association, profession, and society was elevated from an individual goal to an overarching aspiration, along with the APTA vision and mission statements, when APTA updated its strategic plan in 2022. Among the ways developed to achieve that aim was creating a national-level DEI Committee and, to amplify its reach and effectiveness, encouraging APTA chapters, sections, and academies to create their own committees. About 21 states have established a DEI committee of some type.

Log in or create a free account to keep reading.


Join APTA to get unlimited access to content.


You Might Also Like...

Review

Study Finds Disparities in White, Black Use of PT Services

Nov 8, 2022

A review of electronic health records also found white patients received services for musculoskeletal pain faster than Black patients.

News

Be Humble, Curious, and Ready to Learn: Care for the Native American Population

Oct 8, 2022

APTA Magazine connects with experienced providers to explore keys to providing culturally competent physical therapy.

Feature

2022 Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture: Addressing the Profession's DEI 'Disability'

Sep 1, 2022

Lecturer Lisa VanHoose, PT, PhD, MPH, FAPTA, provided a sobering view of the profession's 'DEI fatigue' — and a possible path to overcome it.