Fredy Solis, assistant professor of physical therapy, represents Brenau University and the Department of Physical Therapy as a member of the newly formed Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) consortium, created by the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy.

The purpose of the DEI consortium is to advocate for change that supports increased accessibility and opportunities for everyone in the education and profession of physical therapy, with a focus on inclusion and acceptance of differences.

Solis, who is Latino, got involved with the consortium because he wanted to help promote diversity and make students feel comfortable when applying to and after arriving at Brenau. He says he did not have any minority professors during his time in physical therapy school.

“I think it is important for us as faculty to have more representations of all the students that we teach,” Solis says. “We need faculty members also with unique backgrounds that can mentor all these students. That’s a way to enrich the profession. This is what the consortium is all about, and that’s how I became interested.”

Solis will be able to network with other physical therapists across the country who have a mutual interest in the importance of diversity and inclusion in their field. Members can influence the sustainability of
DEI in PT education and clinical practice.

Department of Physical Therapy Chair Heather Ross praised Solis for his efforts in getting involved and helping the students of Brenau.

“The past year has shown us that sustained efforts, evolving conversations and action plans are required to continue this movement and effect meaningful change for all constituents in the physical therapy community,” she says. “Brenau is highly dedicated to these efforts, and Dr. Solis’ national level exposure and representation will ensure we stay well-informed and on the front edge of this work.”

In addition to Solis’ efforts, PT doctoral student Danielle “Dana” Dolores was
named to the American Physical Therapy Association Georgia chapter’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Taskforce.

The creation of the 10-member state taskforce follows APTA’s national DEI efforts to increase engagement, foster awareness and the sustainability of the PT profession, and provide better patient care.