Celebrating Black History in Physical Therapy
Today, the field of physical therapy is a doctoring profession that allows physical therapists to have autonomy as health care providers and an education that prepares them to be true experts in musculoskeletal and movement medicine.
Dr. Mary McKinney Edmonds, PT, DSc, PhD, FAPTA
But we would not be able to deliver our high-level care, diagnoses, and expertise without this black woman pioneer, Dr. Mary McKinney Edmonds (1932-2017). Dr. Mary founded the Physical Therapy program at Clevland State University and spear-headed the autonomy in the field to advance rehab specific research and to shift physical therapy education to the doctorate degree.
She boldly advocated for minority and women students and faculty in the field of physical therapy given the extreme lack of minorities within the profession. It is clear we must continue the work she started as minorities make up less than 23% of the workforce among physical therapists in the US!
Dr. Efosa Guobadia, PT, DPT
That brings us to the current landscape of physical therapy and diversity, I want to highlight an incredibly influential physical therapist, friend, and global citizen, Dr. Efosa Guobadia.
Dr. Efosa has made a profound impact in the field through starting programs and businesses that highlight service to the world as core tenants of our profession. He founded PT Haven, an online resource for rehab information, and is the co-director of Global PT Day of Service. He also founded a non-profit called Move Together which has been instrumental in empowering clinicians to create positive change in their communities and in other communities around the world. Move Together has helped build multiple rehab clinics internationally to provide free care to those in need. Efosa’s mission is to “increase access to quality rehab medicine around the corner and around the world.”
Our nation and our world has historically erased the contributions of black game changers, scientists, and pioneers. I want RISE to be a part of changing that by celebrating and elevating the work of black men, women, and other minorities of which our country was built on. I thank them for their contributions in the face of adversity, and want to emphasize the evidence that we need each other to come together to make this world a better place.
Learn more about Global PT Day of Service and Move Together and help support Dr. Efosa’s vision of inclusion!