The population of URM in the health-related professions does not reflect the increasing population of minorities in the United States. The physical therapy profession is no exception to this – the lack of diversity in the physical therapy field does not mirror the U.S. population nor has it improved with the growth of the profession. There are many initiatives and programs with the centrality on diversity in physical therapy programs, however there still remains a paucity of enrolled URM students in DPT programs AND in URM licensed PTs.
The population of underrepresented minorities (URM) in the health-related professions does not reflect the increasing population of minorities in the United States. The physical therapy profession is no exception to this – the lack of diversity in the physical therapy field does not mirror the U.S. population nor has it improved with the growth of the profession. There are many initiatives and programs with the centrality on diversity in physical therapy programs, however there still remains a paucity of enrolled URM students in DPT programs and in URM licensed PTs.
This organization was founded to address the emotions and feelings of the lone minorities embarking on a journey to become physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. As founders of the organization, we are establishing this organization to reach out into the African diaspora to address the issue of increasing diversity in both PT educational programs and increasing representation in our profession as a whole. The NABPT will review current strategies and propose novel approaches to increasing and supporting underrepresented minorities in physical therapy such as admissions practices, recruitment and retention of URM PT students and faculty, supporting URM PT students while in the program, increasing exposure of the profession in underrepresented communities, and efforts to increase representation in governance. We are here to be voices for black clinicians and to reach into our communities to improve knowledge of physical therapy.
The NABPT is possible with the collaboration of the Coalition of Black Physical Therapists (a Facebook group who focuses on highlighting PTs/PTAs of color and networking) and the National Alliance of Black Physical Therapists (a group of PTs/PTAs in the Dallas, Tx area with shared values who have formed the 1st official chapter of the NABPT).
Board Members
- Oluremi Onifade, PT, DPT, M.Ed, CCVT, CCI
- DeAndrea Bullock, PT, DPT, CCI, CDP
- Dani Buchmueller, PTA, OMPTA
- Danielle Audain, SPT
- Maya McIntyre, SPT
- Michael Robinson, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, CCTT
- Kelsey Mims, PT, DPT, OCS
- Tyra Mitchell, PT, DPT, MHA, CLT, CEAS
- Breana Richardson, PT, DPT
- Cierra Berry, SPT
Founding Members
DeAndrea Bullock, PT, DPT, CCI, CDP
Dr. DeAndrea Bullock is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2013. Dr. Bullock has been practicing physical therapy for nearly 5 years for Wellstar. She started her career in acute care and inpatient rehab at Kennestone hospital. She then transition to Neuro Outpatient. Dr. Bullock now works at Emory University as an Assistant Professor.
Dr. Bullock enjoys mentorship and service projects in Atlanta, GA. She has helped mentor high school female athletes. She was also the Youth Mentor Director with a service organization for underserved communities called Dream Big Atlanta for 3 years. Dr. Bullock is currently the physical therapy student liaison in Neuro Outpatient for student rotations. With this position, she has been able to mentor prospective physical therapists. She is also an APTA credentialed Clinical Instructor and a certified diversity professional.
Dr. Bullock is passionate about exposing resources to underserved communities and underrepresented minorities. Due to her own background, Dr. Bullock recognizes the importance of creating opportunities in different communities. She feels that when given the opportunity, young kids and adults are able to create the life that they want as oppose to reacting to life as it unfolds.
Oluremi Onifade, PT,DPT, M.Ed, CCVT, CCI
Dr. Onifade is a graduate of Spelman College, where she was determined to become a physical therapist. After initial rejections to physical therapy school, she was able to pursue a Master’s of Kinesiology at Auburn University. She was a catalyst in building a bridge program with Spelman College and Auburn University to attract students pursuing careers in allied health. Participating in this program laid the foundation for future endeavors to educate and recruit people of color into the field of physical therapy.
Dr. Onifade earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Emory University in 2013. After completing her training in Neurological specialty in 2014, she went into Home Health in North Georgia. She is currently in her fifth year treating both orthopedic and neurological cases at Benchmark Physical Therapy in Ellenwood, Georgia, where she serves as Clinic Director.