Eric Arvizu Calzada and Adane Durham “Left Out: Lack of Diversity in Healthcare Education”
Mentor: Victoria Moerchen, Kinesiology

Healthcare professions as a whole are among the least diverse fields. Making healthcare more diverse is essential to achieving better health outcomes for both patients and underserved communities. To increase diversity in the workforce, we need to increase diversity in education. Research into diversity in healthcare education revealed a lack of evidence about recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented minority (URM) groups. This gap in evidence is particularly large for the field of physical therapy. The purpose of this study is to survey students from URM groups in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) educational programs about inclusion. Survey development began with a review of literature across healthcare fields to determine how other fields have studied this issue. Four students undertook this literature review and survey development, including two individuals enrolled in an accredited physical therapy program and two pre-physical therapy students from URMs. An initial survey instrument was developed for electronic distribution. This instrument includes 13 questions related to facilitators and barriers by capturing student perceptions of academic supports, equity approaches, and inclusion during DPT education. 3 additional questions are targeted towards the experiences of students from URMs, and are specific to experiences with microaggressions. Survey responses utilize a Likert scale (5 levels, including a neutral option), multiple choices, and open-ended options. Additionally, there are 18 demographic questions that will allow us to describe our sample and to split the sample into URM and non-URM responses, using the URM definition approved by the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy. Prior to a larger study, this initial survey will be piloted to determine effectiveness and face validity. Data from the larger study will help improve opportunities and supports to increase diversity in DPT programs, ultimately impacting the diversity of the healthcare and physical therapy workforce.