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• NEDIC 2022 Summit

The ACAPT National Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission (NEDIC) sponsored a summit to:

• increase the number of racial and ethnic minorities among faculty and leadership in professional education and in the physical therapy workforce and
• identify and promulgate policy initiatives, best practices, and resources related to increasing recruitment, enrollment, retention, and graduation of racial and ethnic minority students (Black, Native American or Tribal Groups, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and LatinX) in physical therapist professional education programs.

This invitation-only event brought together professionals of diverse backgrounds and expertise who convened over 2 1/2 days in collaborative workgroups designed to craft the foundation for best practices and resources that will transform the educational experiences of underrepresented minority students and faculty in physical therapy.

Read the full 2022 NEDIC Summit proceedings.

Recap of the NEDIC Summit

Thank you again to our sponsors for their support!

Transportation & Lodging Sponsors

Click here to view the videos from our Transportation & Lodging Sponsors on our YouTube Channel.

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
  • The American Physical Therapy Association is an individual membership professional organization representing 100,000 member physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy.
• Health and Rehabilitation Sciences PhD Program, The Ohio State University
  • The PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University aims to train independent scientific researchers who will make meaningful contributions to their field in research-focused careers in academia, government, or industry. The HRS PhD Program has a mission to develop transformative leaders at the forefront of scientific discovery with a vision to be a global leader in advancing scholarship and leadership by developing excellent interdisciplinary scientists. HRS PhD students will become stewards of their science by applying rigorous and ethical scientific methods, and cutting-edge analytical approaches in a focused domain of science that aligns with their professional goals. Our graduates will lead their disciplines by engaging in life-long research.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • A large public research-intensive university. It is the flagship university for the state of North Carolina. The Division of Physical Therapy has been graduating physical therapists for over 60 years.
• University of Southern California
  • The USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy is committed to continuous learning and innovative solutions to accomplish our mission: to enhance human health and quality of life. Accordingly, we are preparing the next generation of physical therapists to deliver the highest level of care to society. We are leaders shaping the future of health care. We have built a unique and influential community of faculty, students, staff, patients and other partners, and continually leverage our combined strengths in research, education and clinical service to help create healthier individuals and communities.
• Washington University Physical Therapy
  • The Washington University Program in Physical Therapy advances human health through movement. We prepare tomorrow’s leaders to provide outstanding clinical care and enhance physical function, activity, and participation across the lifespan.
• Western University of Health Sciences
  • Western University of Health Sciences, located in Pomona, CA and Lebanon, OR, is an independent nonprofit health professions university, conferring degrees in biomedical sciences, dental medicine, health sciences, medical sciences, nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and veterinary medicine. WesternU is home to WesternU Health, where the best in collaborative health care services is offered and WesternU Pet Health, where we enhance and prolong the loving relationship between families and their pets. For over 40 years, WesternU has prepared health care professionals for long-term career success.

Food & Beverage Sponsor

• Regis University
  • Regis University is a Jesuit Catholic University in Denver Colorado with a DPT Program now for 27 years. As a Jesuit Catholic university, Regis seeks to build a more just and humane world through transformative education at the frontiers of faith, reason and culture.
• Rizing Tide
  • Rizing Tide is a scholarship program designed to empower a new generation of BIPOC leaders in the physical therapy profession. Each year, Rizing Tide awards three $14,000 Crest scholarships to BIPOC student PTs and two $10,000 Surge scholarships to BIPOC PT residents.
• Upstate Medical University - College of Health Professions
  • At Upstate Medical University and the College of Health Professions (CHP) we are committed to valuing and sharing the strength of our differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. The CHP offers state-of-the-art facilities, small class sizes, expert faculty, and hands-on clinical opportunities at an academic medical center serving a seventeen-county region in Central New York. At the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, and at all twelve health professions programs in the CHP, we strive to develop highly skilled health professionals to serve the current and future needs of society.

• APTA Academy of Education
  • The APTA Academy of Education, one of the oldest sections of the American Physical Therapy Association, is committed to advancing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students in their roles as educators in academic, clinical and community settings. The APTA Academy of Education supports excellence in physical therapy education and education research to better meeting the needs of patients, families and communities through strategic communication among our members and across professional communities, through continuing professional development and enhanced education research, and through collaborative action within our Association.
• Boston University
  • Boston University College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College fosters critical and innovative thinking to best serve the health care needs of society through academics, research, and clinical practice offering professional graduate degrees in PT, OT, SLHS, and nutrition. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program produces clinical leaders in the field of physical therapy who provide the highest standard of empathetic care to improve patient outcomes through critical thinking and evidence based practice. Graduates apply clinical reasoning to patient centered care, engage with research to advance the profession, and advocate for individual and societal health and wellness.
• Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
  • We fund physical therapy research through grants, scholarships and fellowships. Through donor investment, our researchers go on to build the evidence-base that helps us learn more about the efficacy of physical therapy practices, pioneer breakthrough treatments, and define the value of physical therapy among payers, other health care professions, and patients.
• Indiana University
  • The Department of Physical Therapy (PT) at Indiana University (IU) is an entry level physical therapists education program located in the hub of professional graduate and medical sciences education programs at IU. The metropolitan Indianapolis location offers students and faculty opportunities to collaborate with world class hospitals, clinics, and health systems in the downtown area, exposing them to diverse patient populations and health care services. The PT department Curriculum is designed to prepare students to deliver competent and comprehensive care that makes a real world difference in the lives of patients and promotes excellence and inclusiveness within the PT profession.
• MGH Institute of Health Professions
  • A graduate school focused exclusively on the health professions. We prepare practitioners to lead the next generation of interprofessional, compassionate care, through forward-thinking programs, innovative clinical practice, and ground-breaking research.
• NPTE Final Frontier
  • NPTE Final Frontier helps students achieve the final milestone in their journey to become physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Prepare effectively for the NPTE with our Ph.D. instructors, complete video courses, detailed study timetable, NPTE-style practice exams, curriculum integration, and more!
• Physical Therapy Division, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University
  • The Division of Physical Therapy in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is committed to advancing the profession of physical therapy through excellence in education, research and scholarship, leadership and service. In addition to our DPT program, we also offer a dual degree DPT/PhD program, and in collaboration with our academic health sciences center, support a wide array of residency and fellowship programs.
• Rosalind Franklin University
  • Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science was named after Dr. Rosalind Franklin. A pioneering British researcher, she revealed the building blocks of life to the world in 1952 when she captured “Photograph 51” of the “B” form of DNA while at King’s College in London. Today, our faculty, staff and 2,000+ students carry on her legacy of discovery through rigorous academics, pioneering research and innovative community service. We foster that environment through a unique, interprofessional education model, in which students in various health professions learn from and with each other to improve patient care. By embodying our namesake’s traits of inquiry, diligence and academic excellence, Rosalind Franklin University continues to shape the future of health care.
• The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
  • As one of America's top-ranked academic health centers, our mission is to improve people’s lives in Ohio and across the world through innovation in research, education and patient care. Our vision is to push the boundaries of discovery and knowledge, solve significant health problems and deliver unparalleled care through the values of inclusiveness, determination, empathy, sincerity, ownership and innovation. Collaboration, collegiality, modern facilities and a focused commitment to excellence unite the faculty, staff and students of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
• TherapyEd
  • TherapyEd is the leader in helping students prepare for and pass the NPTE. Our two-day courses, best-selling Review Study Guide by O'Sullivan, Siegelman, Shaffer, & Sutlive, and practice questions we help thousands of students pass the PT exam every year.
• University of Kentucky
  • The mission of the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Kentucky is foremost to meet the physical therapy needs of Kentucky and contribute to global needs through education, research and service. The Physical Therapy Program strives to develop competent physical therapy practitioners who are critical thinkers, educators, and professionals who adhere to the core values of the University and value all people.  Graduates of our program should be person-centered practitioners who are knowledgeable, ethical, independent and collaborative, adaptable, reflective, effective communicators, and service oriented.
• University of Miami
  • The mission of the University of Miami Department of Physical Therapy is to educate, develop, and nurture the next generation of leaders in physical therapy. The University of Miami offers entry-level education, post-professional PhD training, and residency programs in six specialty areas. The clinical division provides high-caliber, compassionate physical therapy care in a wide variety of settings. The department is committed to the creation and dissemination of knowledge in support of the evidence-based practice of physical therapy.
• University of New England Department of Physical Therapy
  • The University of New England is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized degree paths in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts. Visit une.edu.
• University of South Florida
  • The University of South Florida's School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences (SPT&RS) houses the entry-level DPT program, professional AT program, and an Orthopaedic Residency. SPT&RS is located within the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

• Brenau University
  • Brenau University seeks to develop extraordinary clinical practitioners who will serve, lead, and inspire. We challenge our students to live extraordinary lives through the implementation of our college’s motto: Thoughtful, Intentional, Strategic. We ready our students for success in today’s healthcare arena through the application of an experiential learning approach that integrates clinical and didactic learning. Our culture will engender excellence, scholarship, altruism, integrity, interdependence and a sense of purpose in each of our students.
• Kimberly Topp (personal sponsorship)
• The Physical Therapy Learning Institute
  • PTLI aims to ignite a collaborative advancement to transform the health of society and is committed to providing the leadership and advocacy to challenge the status quo and to drive innovation in physical therapy education, research, and practice. With this overarching goal, PTLI has established several initiatives including the creation and sponsorship of two different annual lectureships to honor its two founding members, the Geneva R. Johnson Forum on Innovation in in PT Education and the Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture. PTLI also created the Annual Disruptive Innovation Summit with the purpose to stimulate deep conversation and foster action to address opportunities for change in physical therapist education.
• Springfield College Department of Physical Therapy
  • Since 1885, Springfield College has made a difference in the world. Our commitment to the Humanics philosophy is what sets us apart. You may be asking, “what is that?” We’re always happy to share. The Humanics philosophy calls for educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others. Our DPT program embodies Humanics while educating future leaders in physical therapy and service.
• Texas State University Department of Physical Therapy
  • One is an important number at Texas State. There are thousands of us, but we’re united by one shared purpose: to make a positive impact. 38,000 students choose from more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. Each student finds personalized support and opportunities needed to succeed beyond the classroom. One is never a lonely number at Texas State, because each one of us has thousands of Bobcats guiding and inspiring us.  The Department of Physical Therapy offers one of the three graduate programs in the College of Health Professions. The program admits 40 students per year.
• University of California San Francisco
  • The Entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is a 3 year joint program between University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and San Francisco State University (SFSU).The program runs for 36 continuous months beginning in June and includes 34 weeks of full-time clinical experiences. This program is designed to prepare scholarly clinicians, educators, collaborative clinical researchers, administrative managers and community leaders. The program admits 50 students each year. The curriculum is built on a strong theoretical foundation in basic, medical and applied sciences.