Global Health SIG Town Hall Highlights IEPT Advocacy and APTA House of Delegates Outcomes
The APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation Global Health Special Interest Group (GHSIG) in collaboration with the Multicultural PT Catalyst Group (MCPT) successfully hosted a vital Town Hall Meeting on November 21, 2024, bringing together APTA members to discuss pressing issues impacting Internationally Educated Physical Therapists (IEPTs).
This virtual event provided an open platform for dialogue on the progress and future of IEPT advocacy, particularly focusing on the significant outcomes from the 2024 APTA House of Delegates (HOD) session.
Key Highlights:
The town hall featured Dr. Ben Aguila, HOD member and motion maker, and Aliya Chaudry, APTA ALI Chief Delegate, as panelists. Their insights into the recent HOD decisions underscored the importance of inclusive policies for IEPTs in the U.S. physical therapy profession.
Discussions centered on the impact of the recently passed motions, particularly:
- RC 2-24: Equitable and Inclusive Process of Licensure by Endorsement for Internationally Educated Physical Therapists
- RC 3-24: Preferred Nomenclature for Internationally Educated Physical Therapists
Participants were engaged in conversations about the next steps for implementing these motions and how IEPTs can continue to advocate for equitable representation and professional integration.
Did You Know?
IEPTs make up approximately 12% of the U.S. physical therapy profession, highlighting the need for continued advocacy to address barriers in licensure, practice integration, and professional recognition.
Dr. Ben Aguila emphasized the power of collective action, stating, “These outcomes reflect our community’s strength and determination to ensure equitable opportunities for all physical therapists, regardless of where they were educated.”
FFG commends the collaborative efforts of the GHSIG and MCPT in fostering inclusive leadership and advocacy. This town hall marks another step forward in empowering the IEPT community and driving positive change within the profession.
