Is “professionalism” in physical therapy outdated?
At APTA CSM in Anaheim, Jimmy sits down with Dr. Jenn Bell to unpack why traditional definitions of “professional demeanor” may be holding the profession back.
From visible tattoos to pronouns on CVs, from burnout to belonging, this conversation tackles a core question:
👉 If we say we want diversity in PT… are we actually creating space for people to belong?
Dr. Bell shares why rigid norms around dress, behavior, and appearance disproportionately impact clinicians from underrepresented groups — and why authenticity is directly tied to retention, recruitment, and patient connection.
If you're a clinic owner, educator, or practicing PT, this episode challenges you to examine what “professional” really means — and whether it still serves patients or the future of the profession.
⏱ Chapters
00:00 – Live From CSM
02:00 – Defining Professionalism
04:30 – Who Gets Marginalized
06:20 – Burnout & Code Switching
07:45 – Letting Go of Old Norms
08:40 – Diversity to Belonging
