Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UAMS and the Department of Physical Therapy

The Department of Physical Therapy, along with all of UAMS, aims to intentionally advance and leverage diversity, equity, and inclusion to drive UAMS’ mission and the 2029 Strategic Plan to improve the health, health care and wellbeing of Arkansans and of others in the region, nation and world. It is the policy of the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences and all of its affiliated colleges and organizations not to engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, religion or creed, sex, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, national or ethnic origin, non-disqualifying disability, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, political beliefs or affiliations, and to comply with all federal and state non-discrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations, including remaining compliant and consistent with the Civil Rights Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. – UAMS Academic Affairs Policy 2.1.3 – Non-Discrimination Statement

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the PT Curriculum:

The mission of the UAMS Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is to educate students who will practice patient-centered physical therapy while embracing cultural diversity, ethical integrity, professionalism and collaboration with other members of the health care team.
The interprofessional education curriculum for all students addresses interprofessional topics related to cultural awareness. As the director of interprofessional education for the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus, Dr. Angel Holland wrote a competency workshop educational program to focus on cultural awareness and empathy skills of health care professionals within the interprofessional team.
The topic of cultural awareness / humility in regards to the role of the physical therapist is taught in various course modules throughout the curriculum, but has a specific focus in all three professional issues courses.
- Professional Issues I (PHTH 71731) focuses on cultural awareness as part of the core values in addition to the coordination of the interprofessional education campus cultural training event for all first-year students.
- Professional Issues II (PHTH 71741) focuses on cultural awareness/humility with an emphasis on communication strategies and ethical behavior as a physical therapist.
- Professional Issues III (PHTH 71751) focuses is on cultural awareness in patient education and an overall cultural competency in all physical therapy settings.
The topic of health disparity in the field of physical therapy and health care is a component to various course modules throughout the curriculum. The focused topic of health disparity is discussed in greater detail in Psychosocial Aspects (PHTH 71362) in the summer of the second year year and in Health Promotion & Wellness (PHTH 73372), which is taught in the spring semester of the third year.
The North Street student-led pro bono clinic is led by students in the disciplines of physical therapy, medicine, pharmacy, and nursing with mentorship of faculty. Student teams learn to work with patients and providers from another culture and work to provide care to the underserved Marshallese community of Northwest Arkansas. Community outreach activities are also provided to the Hispanic community.