Recognizing the need to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in the physical therapy profession is one thing. Embracing change to foster that evolution is another. That challenge is at the heart of the second annual Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Physical Therapy, to be delivered by Charlene Portee, PT, PhD.
Titled "The Road to Success: Are We Ready To Change Direction?" Portee’s lecture will be delivered June 17 at 6 p.m. ET. The lecture is the second in a series named in honor and memory of Woodruff, a physical therapy leader and advocate, and longtime APTA member. Sponsored by APTA, the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, American Academy of Physical Therapy, APTA Academy of Education, National Association of Black Physical Therapists, and Physical Therapy Learning Institute , the event also recognizes Juneteenth.
Dean of the Alabama State University College of Health Sciences and interim director of the Physical Therapy Department, Portee is a highly regarded educator and thought leader. In addition to her experience as a clinician, faculty member, and administrator, Portee also served as president of the American Academy of Physical Therapy, which has honored her as an academy fellow.
Portee's lecture will be immediately followed by an online panel discussion moderated by Kai Kennedy, PT, DPT, and including Tiffany Adams, PT, DPT, MBA; Leon Anderson III, PT, MOMT; and Rachel Herron, PT, DPT.
The lecture is free, but cosponsoring organizations request that viewers consider donating at least $10 to one of four funds that support DEI:
- Lynda D. Woodruff Endowed Research Grant for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Physical Therapy.
- American Academy of Physical Therapy.
- APTA's Campaign for Future Generations, which supports the Minority Scholarship Fund and the Dimensions of Diversity Fund.
- National Association of Black Physical Therapists.
The inaugural Woodruff lecture, "Who Do We Want To Be? Responsible Stewardship of Our Profession" by Gregory Hicks, PT, PhD, FAPTA, is still available for viewing.