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. Vatwani holds graduate degrees including a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education and Leadership in Healthcare. She currently serves as the Graduate Program Director for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and as a Clinical Associate Professor at Old Dominion University (ODU). Prior to her appointment at ODU, she was an Associate Professor at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Vatwani has an extensive background in acute care physical therapy, having served a decade at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Her research agenda is dedicated to enhancing cultural competence, advancing interprofessional education, and improving physical therapy education in acute care, as well as cardiovascular and pulmonary specialties. She is the recipient of the 2022 Healthcare Diversity Leader Award from the National Diversity Council and the 2022 American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Minority Faculty Development Award. Currently, Dr. Vatwani is elected to serve on APTA’s Academy of Leadership and Innovation Global Health SIG Nominating Committee and as the Chair of the APTA Acute Care Education Committee for a three-year term.