In this Q&A, Dr. Tiffany Adams, assistant professor in the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, shares insights into her journey at Duke and her dedication to promoting health equity through education and research. Since joining the program in 2021, Dr. Adams has been a leader in integrating inclusive teaching practices and advancing equity-centered research. She discusses her passion for fostering cultural humility in future physical therapists and her ongoing efforts to address systemic inequities within healthcare.
Q: When did you join the Duke DPT division?
A: I joined the Duke DPT division in August 2021.
Q: What classes do you teach in the program?
A: I am the Course Director for Cultural Determinants of Health and Health Disparities I and II, and Entrepreneurship for Physical Therapists.
Q: Are you involved with any other classes, including any outside the program?
A: I occasionally assist with labs in the Older Adult course and participate in panel discussions for the Healthcare Systems course.
Q: What have you done to enhance teaching within the program?
A: To enhance teaching within the program, I focus on implementing inclusive teaching practices and culturally responsive pedagogical approaches. These methods leverage students’ cultural knowledge, experiences, and frames of reference to make learning more relevant and accessible for students from all backgrounds. Additionally, I prioritize equipping students to become advocates for health equity, offering intentional opportunities to reflect on inequities in their own experiences critically, those of their patients, and those of their peers.
Q: What’s the latest research you’re involved with? If you’re not currently involved with any, what is your typical area of research?
A: I'm thrilled about my current research, which centers around equity and aligns closely with my personal and professional values. My recent work leverages my expertise in clinical care, equity-centered practices, quality improvement, and operations management.
- I recently published a study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education, which was the first to identify consensus on key JEDI-related curricular content for entry-level physical therapist education.
- I’ve also contributed articles to the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal on structural competency in PT education and practice and the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy on racial disparities in outpatient PT use after a hip fracture.
- I was part of a team that published a scoping review protocol on systemic discrimination and racism mitigation in health professions graduate education in Physical Therapy Reviews, with the full review to be submitted soon.
- Another paper I co-authored on the impact of social determinants of health on stroke survivors’ discharge locations from acute neurological facilities will soon be published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
- Looking ahead, I’m part of a team at WSSU working to improve pro bono clinic care delivery and efficiency using mobile crowdsensing, funded by a National Science Foundation grant. We aim to reduce wait times, improve access, and promote health equity.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about being part of Duke DPT?
A: I truly appreciate the spirit of innovation at Duke DPT. The environment is intellectually stimulating, with new ideas and opportunities constantly flowing. As someone who thrives on problem-solving, I know it’s a dynamic and exciting workplace.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time away from Duke?
A: Outside work, I love spending time with my family—my husband Dexter, daughter Corinne, and son Kensington. I also enjoy shopping for colorful suits and finding hidden gems at thrift stores.