Community. That was the overarching theme of my experience at the 2025 American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting (CSM).
I attended Spelman College in Atlanta for my undergraduate studies and chose to take a gap year, working at multiple clinics with Team Rehabilitation. CSM provided me with a unique opportunity to reconnect with the support system I developed during that time.
Since my undergraduate days, I’ve been an active member and have held leadership roles within the National Association of Black Physical Therapists (NABPT). Each year, the organization hosts a mixer for CSM attendees, creating a space for individuals of African descent and their allies to connect within the profession. As this was my first time attending both CSM and the NABPT mixer, I was filled with joy at the sight of so many beautiful people coming together for a celebratory moment outside the often-isolating environments of academia, clinical practice, and faculty roles—spaces where people like us are frequently in the minority.
At the event, I reconnected with my mentor, Dr. Taylor Adkins, members of the NABPT Executive Board, Duke DPT alumni, and others. I was also pleasantly surprised to meet two physical therapy students with whom I had worked during the Summer Health Professions Education Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2019. These communities have consistently provided unconditional love, support, and encouragement throughout my journey as both a prospective and current DPT student. Seeing them again and experiencing this crossover moment was truly a wonderful experience.
A significant highlight of CSM was the educational sessions throughout the day. These sessions offered a wealth of new insights into innovations, ongoing research, and emerging trends that continue to shape the profession. I intentionally sought out sessions that addressed various topics, including student loan management, pelvic floor physical therapy, and therapeutic alliances.
The first session I attended set the tone for the rest of my conference experience. Titled “Awareness, Attitude, Action, and Accountability: Leadership in the Face of Anti-DEI Laws and Legislation,” this session was led by Dr. Dawn S. Brown, Assistant Professor at Northwestern University’s DPT program. Dr. Brown guided us through small group discussions focused on various topics, encouraging thoughtful exchanges. One of the questions we explored was how the current political climate impacts students and institutions.
I shared my thoughts on Duke DPT’s strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and recent discussions around funding challenges impacting research on campus. I also talked about my intentional approach to communicating my needs with our co-director of clinical education. Early in my program, I was aware of the challenges students of African descent face regarding feeling unsupported or isolated in specific environments, so I was proactive in setting boundaries regarding my clinical rotations. My first conversation with our co-director was focused on aligning my core values with the clinical sites available. After sharing my story with the group, they expressed gratitude for my perspective and asked me to share it with the larger room. It was humbling, giving me the courage to navigate the rest of the conference confidently.
I encourage all PT and PTA students, clinicians, and faculty to prioritize attending at least one CSM conference during their careers. The event provides numerous opportunities for student volunteers to network with vendors and employers, engage with ongoing and completed research through poster presentations, and attend educational sessions tailored to their professional interests. I believe that attending CSM can reignite your passion for physical therapy and clarify why you chose this profession in the first place.
Takeaways and Advice from My First CSM:
- Plan your educational sessions before traveling to CSM to make the most of the event.
- Push yourself to engage with individuals outside your institution, such as students, clinicians, faculty, vendors, and others.
- Attend mixers hosted by physical therapy organizations and companies—there’s always something to gain.
- Take time to recharge, stay hydrated, and eat throughout the day to stay focused.
- Challenge yourself to learn something new about the profession, even if it’s outside your current area of focus. After attending several sessions, I developed a newfound respect and interest in pelvic floor physical therapy.
- If you want the best swag in the exhibit hall, visit on Day 1 of the conference—it's when the best goodies are available!
Attending CSM was an unforgettable experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunities to reconnect with my community and further my growth as a future physical therapist.