Honoring Women’s History Month: Celebrating the Women Who Shape Us
March marks Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the remarkable contributions of the women who have shaped our world, our lives, and our profession—especially in physical therapy. As reconstruction aides, women were the founders of the physical therapy profession and continue to help advance the field, advocate for patients, and mentor the next generation of clinicians. As we celebrate this month, I want to take a moment to honor some of the incredible women who have influenced my journey, and recognize the significance of this time for student PTs entering their clinical affiliations.
A Tribute to the Women Who Inspired Me
Throughout my life, I was fortunate to be surrounded by strong, intelligent, and compassionate women—from coaches to teachers to managers. First and foremost, my mother—whose family immigrated to the U.S. from Japan in the early 1900s—is often a source of strength and resilience. She was the fourth-born child and lived with her eight siblings in a two-bedroom home. She instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and generosity, showing me that leadership and empathy can coexist. Alongside my dad’s unwavering support, my parents encouraged me to push beyond my perceived limits.
Another profound influence in my life was Grace Johnson, PT, DPT, MS, my clinical instructor during my sports and orthopedic clinical affiliation at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. She was an incredibly successful physical therapist who not only honed my clinical skills, but also taught me the importance of patient advocacy. She proved that exceptional clinical leadership goes beyond technical expertise—it requires genuine connection and a commitment to lifelong learning. Most impactfully, she instilled in me the confidence to challenge the status quo as a woman working with professional sports teams.
And, of course, I am continuously inspired by the women I work alongside every day here at Rizing Tide—as well as colleagues, students, and fellow leaders in the PT industry. Their dedication to elevating the profession, breaking barriers, and fostering inclusive excellence is nothing short of extraordinary. Nancy Ham, WebPT’s CEO from 2015–2020, is a great example of this, and she solidified the power of collaboration, partnership, and boldness.
The Spring Season: A Time of Growth and Opportunity
Alongside Women’s History Month, it’s also a time to recognize the new beginnings that come with spring. For many physical therapy students, this season marks the start of their clinical affiliations—an exciting and pivotal step in their professional journeys. Stepping into a clinical setting for the first time is often both exhilarating and intimidating; it is a crucial phase where foundational classroom knowledge finally meets patient experience. Clinical affiliations are not just about refining hands-on skills; they are about discovering your unique strengths and developing the confidence to become an impactful clinician.
Whether it’s your first clinical affiliation or your last before graduation, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity with curiosity and an open mind. Seek out mentors who will challenge and support you. Ask questions, and challenge yourself by saying “yes” to any and all extra chances to stretch your skills. Working with Grace as the team therapist for an arena football team, I spent many Friday nights at games and early Saturday mornings in injury rehabilitation—all in addition to my Monday through Friday clinical hours. This unique field experience influenced me to pursue an athletic trainer certification, ultimately giving me a leg up when pursuing a specialty in sports medicine.
For seasoned clinicians and mentors, I encourage you to seize any moment to shape the next generation—whether as a CI, a speaker, or someone who leads by example. Just as those who came before us paved the road we walk, it is our responsibility to provide guidance, encouragement, and knowledge to those newly entering and navigating the field.
A Celebration of Progress
Women’s History Month encourages us to look back at how far we’ve come and to recognize the path ahead. It motivates us to uplift the passionate voices of our profession, championing inclusive excellence, and ensuring that future generations have access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive. To all the women making a difference in clinical care, education, and leadership—thank you. Your contributions are invaluable, and we feel your legacy every day. Let’s continue to celebrate, support, and empower one another all year long.
