Addressing Race and Culture During Clinical Education Experiences

Abstract

In 2022–2023, 27.7% of the students enrolled in Doctor of Physical Therapy programs identified as from a minoritized group, representing a 50% increase since 2015–2016 which is promising. However, students from racial/ethnic minoritized groups have additional barriers to overcome, such as isolation, exclusion, bias, and discrimination during clinical education experiences (CEE). Clinical educators may avoid conversations about race and culture due to decreased time, training, and comfort, and not wanting to “other” students from minoritized groups. However, talking about race and culture can increase trust and communication between learners and educators, decrease discrimination and stereotyping, and increase compassion and mutual understanding. The authors provide stepwise progression for educators to begin to prepare for addressing race/culture and supporting students from minoritized backgrounds during CEEs.