Bridging the DEI gap in physical therapy education and practice: Cultivating culturally competent leadership and sustainable organization change

Title : Bridging the DEI gap in physical therapy education and practice: Cultivating culturally competent leadership and sustainable organization change

Abstract:

The presenter will engage in crucial fundamental concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), along with belonging and justice, highlighting their critical role in cultivating culturally competent leadership within healthcare systems. Utilizing a foundation of evidence-based research, this session will discuss some pivotal concerns such as systemic racism, cultural competence, and the prevalence of unconscious bias among healthcare practitioners. The focus will be on exploring bias and its impact on the consistency and equity of healthcare delivery. Participants will be introduced to a variety of self-evaluation and organizational instruments, which are vital in facilitating organizational transformation and ensuring the longevity of efforts to bridge the DEI gap. The presentation will also cover actionable strategies for the implementation and maintenance of effective DEI transformations, cultural humility, and cultural competence at individual, professional, academic, and organizational strata. Moreover, it will emphasize the importance of active participation in public health policy as a catalyst for systemic and societal change.

Audience Take Away:

• Understand the core principles of DEI, along with belonging and justice in healthcare and their pivotal role in developing culturally competent leaders in healthcare settings.
• Critically examine issues such as systemic racism, cultural competence, and unconscious bias among healthcare providers, using evidence-based research to understand their impact on healthcare delivery.
• Assess how biases influence the consistency and equity of healthcare services, and to understand the importance of addressing these biases for improved healthcare outcomes.
• Familiarize participants with various self-evaluation and organizational tools that are essential for initiating and sustaining transformational changes within healthcare organizations to bridge the DEI gap.
• Discuss strategies for DEI Implementation and highlight the significance of engaging in public health policy for systemic and societal change in the healthcare sector. 

Biography:

Dr. Archana Vatwani, PT, DPT, EdD, MBA, CLWT, CDP, PMP, CEEAA is the Academic Program Director and Professor of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Dallas, TX. She has nearly two decades of clinical and academic experience at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Nova Southeastern University, and Old Dominion University. Dr. Vatwani’s research focuses on enhancing cultural competence, advancing interprofessional education, and improving physical therapy practice in acute care as well as cardiovascular and pulmonary specialties. Her awards include the National Diversity Council’s 2022 Healthcare Diversity Leader Award and the American Physical Therapy Association’s 2022 Minority Faculty Development Award. She currently chairs the APTA Acute Care Education Committee and serves on the Nominating Committee for the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation’s Global Health Special Interest Group, reflecting her ongoing commitment to leadership and service within the profession.