ACAPT's diversity award winner Jaime Gonzalez sees a bright future for physical therapy education
To support diversity in academic and clinical PT leadership, the leading voice of physical therapist education programs funded diversity awards to the APTA Academy of Education Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership (formerly
ELI) again in 2023.
ACAPT offers two awards of $7,000 for the Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership (FHEL) annually, plus up to $5,000 for travel and expenses.
Congrats to a recent award recipients:
Jaime Gonzalez, PT, DPT, PhD
Assistant Professor
Midwestern University
Below is a recap from Jaime Gonzalez:
Having recently completed the APTA Academy of Education Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership (FHEL), I am compelled to share my experiences and express my gratitude to the community that has supported this transformative journey.
The FHEL program is a testament to the excellence, passion, and innovation that thrives within the realm of academic physical therapy. Through my time in the fellowship, I have met visionary leaders deeply committed to shaping the next generation of physical therapists. Their dedication, not just for the benefit of their respective programs and institutions but to the holistic advancement of the profession and the betterment of society, is both commendable and contagious.
Being surrounded by such driven and well-intentioned mentors and colleagues has reignited my passion and fortified my optimism for the future. Our collective mission is clear:
- Inspire the next generation of physical therapists to revolutionize healthcare.
- Empower individuals to lead fuller lives.
- Weave a tapestry of care that respects and leverages both science and the human spirit, and actualizes the primacy of human dignity, for the benefit of our learners, colleagues, the broader physical therapy profession, and the clients we aim to serve.
Indeed, after this experience, I am more hopeful than ever that our future is radiant with potential.
Regarding my professional trajectory, the FHEL has laid a robust foundation upon which I plan to build. My aspirations now soar towards more overt positions of leadership — from the director of clinical education, program director, and department chair to ultimately assistant or associate dean roles. Leading from such pivotal positions will amplify my ability to bring about positive changes in physical therapy education, especially in the areas of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, belonging, and excellence.
Three pivotal lessons from the fellowship will remain with me as I forge ahead:
- The value of continual perspective-taking: This entails understanding the various viewpoints and experiences of others, which fosters empathy and drives inclusive leadership.
- Honing leadership skills: The essence of leading is not about wielding power but about empowering others and requires constant reflection and development.
- People-centric leadership: At the heart of any institution or profession are its people. A leader's primary role is to serve, support, and uplift them.
To fellow academic professionals considering the FHEL, I cannot recommend it enough. Beyond the in-depth didactic components, the program offers invaluable networking opportunities. But the true gem lies in the connections made with mentors and peers, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and a rich and diverse set of experiences.
I would like to extend my profound gratitude to ACAPT and its National Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission (NEDIC) for their unwavering support. Being honored with the ACAPT Diversity Award was not only a personal milestone but a crucial enabler of my participation in the FHEL. The financial aid associated with the award made this transformative journey feasible.
ACAPT and NEDIC's initiatives highlight a deep understanding of an important truth: supporting members from systemically excluded culture groups, such as my own Chicano and Latino communities, can catalyze monumental shifts in our profession. By championing justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, belonging, and excellence, we are not only enhancing the profession but enriching the lives of our students, patients, and society at large.
In closing, my time in the FHEL has reinforced a belief I have long held: In unity, passion, and purposeful action, we find the seeds of transformative change. ¡Sí Se Puede!