In this episode of Core Conversations, host Justus Norman, second year DPT student, joins UF Department of Physical Therapy Program Director Dr. Mark Bishop, PT, PhD, FAPTA for an honest discussion about the recent initiatives within the program that aim to tackle the lack of diversity, Dr. Bishop’s personal journey to pursue anti-racism, and the balance between personal and professional expectations in addressing social justice issues. Dr. Bishop offers two book recommendations, White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo and So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo, which you can find and purchase from a Black owned bookstore here. Justus and Dr. Bishop also discuss how the program handled similar situations of racially-charged public unrest in previous years before the formation of the DEI Committee. The two reflect on how physical therapists can take a more active approach as professionals in rooting out injustice in healthcare, and agree that advocacy within the field is crucial for long-term change. Finally, Justus ends the episode by asking the signature final question: What’s good?

This podcast is produced by the University of Florida Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2022 DEI Student Committee and the commentary does not represent the opinions of the University or the Department of Physical Therapy. This episode was recorded on March 1st, 2021. This episode of Core Conversations was hosted by Justus Norman with special guest Dr. Mark Bishop. Our production manager is Casey Jackson. Our marketing and department liaisons are Ally Marcy and Breanne Stefan. Our speaker coordination and recruitment chairs are Monique Deveaux and Rachel Castor. Our research coordinators are Haley Hasty and Cortlyn Raynes. Original music created for Core Conversations by DJ Ricky D."