Purpose:
This qualitative phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of physical therapists from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds who serve as full-time core faculty in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in the United States.
Desired Outcomes: The study seeks to better understand pathways into academia, the meaning individuals assign to faculty roles, barriers and facilitators encountered during the transition into academia, and factors that contribute to success and persistence in academic careers. Findings may help inform recruitment, retention, mentorship, and professional development efforts aimed at increasing faculty diversity within physical therapist education.
Type of Information Collected: The Qualtrics link is a brief eligibility screening and recruitment tool used to identify individuals who may qualify for participation in the study. Screening questions collect information regarding age, physical therapist licensure status, full-time core faculty status in a U.S. DPT program, and racial and/or ethnic identity. Eligible individuals may be invited to participate in the full study, which includes informed consent, a demographic questionnaire, and a one-time 60-minute semi-structured interview conducted via Zoom.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a licensed physical therapist in the United States.
- Currently serve as a full-time core faculty member in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the United States.
- Identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander.
Estimated Time to Complete & Deadline:
- Estimated time:2-3 minutes
- Deadline: August 15, 2026; or until data saturation.
Survey Information:
Investigators:
Rosa Elena Torres-Panchamé, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Assistant Professor, Department of Allied Health and Kinesiology
Hofstra University
PhD Candidate, Nova Southeastern University
Email: rosa.e.torres-panchame@hofstra.edu
Phone: 516-463-7451
Host Institution
Hofstra University, School of Health Sciences, Department of Allied Health and Kinesiology
Host Institution: Hofstra University
IRB Information:
Hofstra University Institutional Review Board (IRB)
IRB Approval Reference Number: 20260522-AHK-SHS-TOR-1
This study received expedited approval from the Hofstra University Institutional Review Board on May 22, 2026. Approval was granted under expedited review procedures in accordance with 45 CFR 46.110(d).