At ATI, we like to think that the day’s challenges provide us with our guiding sense of character and purpose. Though, while true, at our very core sits our greatest definer, a diode so pure and strong that even the strongest of voodoo cannot falter it. As one of the largest physical therapy providers in the United States, you could argue that our services or expeditious growth defines who we are. Maybe even our patients characterize the brand. While all these variables certainly lend a role in shaping our identity and success, there is one key component at the forefront of all this equity – the ATI team!
What makes ATI one of the most unique employers is the amazing people who are emotionally invested in making sure our patients receive the best care possible. We are proud to have such passionate team members driving our success so much that, ATI goes great lengths to reciprocate these efforts by proudly empowering and supporting those that want to inspire change. It’s this change that allows others the confidence to stand up for what they believe in while still being able to pursue their passion.
Lindsay Fons is one of ATI’s most recent team members that is inspiring change. As a physical therapist at the Pewaukee, Wis. clinic, Lindsay is a proud advocate for the LGBT community. In 2016, she founded PT Proud, a Health Policy and Administration Catalyst group made of physical therapists who are working to combat health disparities for the LGBTQ community. As an LGBTQ advocacy group, PT Proud supports equity, education and community for LGBTQ+ patients and practitioners nationwide. With the help and support of the LGBT community, ATI and physical therapists nationwide, she can continue to promote this cause.
For Lindsay, PT Proud was an opportunity to bring her beliefs and passions together. With no established guidance and very little resources for physical therapists wanting to learn more about the healthcare needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals, Lindsay’s sole purpose is to reshape this issue and better the practice of physical therapy. We recently caught up with her to see what led to this exciting movement and what the future holds for PT Proud.
What influenced the start of PT Proud?
PT Proud, a Catalyst Group through the Health Policy and Administration Section of the APTA, started out of a shared recognition of the health disparities and inequitable treatment of LGBTQIA+ individuals in health care. The ultimate goal of the movement is to take action to benefit our patients and colleagues who suffer from discrimination due to their sexual and gender identities. The HPA recognized the importance of our mission and assisted us in forming the Catalyst Group.
What is the purpose/goal of the program?
The mission of PT Proud is to improve the health care experience of LGBTQIA+ patients, students and clinicians through advocacy, policy and promotion of competency education in physical therapy. Our goal is to influence change within the profession to best serve all patients, regardless of their gender and sexual identity. We are currently creating educational presentations, conducting research and building a Facebook page to serve our members. In fact, we recently published the official PT Proud website to serve as another hub for the community.
What kind of support did you receive from ATI?
ATI’s Chief Compliance Officer, Lynn McGivern, reached out to offer her assistance as well as to reiterate ATI’s commitment to a culturally competent and diverse workforce. We certainly look forward to working more with ATI in the near future to promote competency and diversity efforts!
What are some of the obstacles PT Proud faces?
Right now, our biggest obstacle is finding ways to reach out to PTs, PTAs and students across the country. We are looking for motivated clinicians and students who want to make a difference in our profession.
Who can join the program?
Those who are interested in joining should be a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and join the Health Policy and Administration Section. Anyone can follow the PT Proud Facebook page (@PTProud) or use the resources on the official PT Proud website!
How does one get involved?
Anyone interested in getting involved will first need to become a member of the APTA and the HPA. Once a member, those interested in getting more involved can visit ptproud.org or contact me at lfons22@outlook.com to learn more about our three committees and ways to get involved. We have committees of amazing people working on creating educational materials, presentations and research. These groups are always looking for new members to bring in different perspectives and ideas!
What benefits does PT Proud provide?
PT Proud is currently working on creating resources and programming to educate all PTs and PTAs about the best treatment of LGBTQIA+ individuals. We also provide a place for discussion and community among students and clinicians who identify as LGBTQIA+ as well as allies.
Where do you see the organization going?
It is our hope that PT Proud will become the go-to organization within physical therapy for resources, education and research about the LGBTQIA+ community. We will bring together the fantastic ideas and energy from people across the country to form a strong community and to improve the healthcare of LGBTQIA+ individuals.