Health Equity on the Move: Dr. Winston Kennedy’s Journey in PT and Public Health

02/15/24 • 15 min

Dr. Winston Kennedy, an Assistant Professor, researcher, clinician, and public health advocate based at Northeastern University. This episode sheds light on the crucial role of physical therapy in public health, social justice in healthcare, and disability advocacy, guided by Dr. Kennedy's expertise and his unique approach to tackling societal issues with a team mindset, reminiscent of his days as a collegiate athlete.

Episode Highlights:

Public Health and Physical Therapy: Explore the intersection of physical therapy and public health, understanding its significance and how PTs can contribute to broader health initiatives.
Social Justice in Healthcare: Delve into the disparities in health and quality of care, discussing the importance of social justice in health professional education and how it shapes patient care and community health.
Advocacy for Disability Rights: Listen to Dr. Kennedy's personal journey into disability advocacy, what advocacy entails, and how individuals can engage and make a difference in promoting accessibility and equity.
Beyond the Norm: A surprising twist on Dr. Kennedy's background as a hip-hop dance instructor during his PT school days, highlighting the diverse interests and talents health professionals can bring to their work.

Key Takeaways:

Insights into how physical therapy plays a pivotal role in advancing public health goals and ensuring equitable access to healthcare.
Understanding the impact of social and health disparities and the vital role of education in fostering a more just healthcare system.
Practical advice for getting involved in disability advocacy and contributing to meaningful change in society.
Dr. Kennedy's anecdotes, emphasize the multifaceted nature of health professionals.

Guest Contact Information:

Dr. Winston Kennedy, Assistant Professor, and Public Health Physical Therapist
Instagram: @thetribe_lab

Episode Highlights:

Public Health and Physical Therapy: Explore the intersection of physical therapy and public health, understanding its significance and how PTs can contribute to broader health initiatives.
Social Justice in Healthcare: Delve into the disparities in health and quality of care, discussing the importance of social justice in health professional education and how it shapes patient care and community health.
Advocacy for Disability Rights: Listen to Dr. Kennedy's personal journey into disability advocacy, what advocacy entails, and how individuals can engage and make a difference in promoting accessibility and equity.
Beyond the Norm: A surprising twist on Dr. Kennedy's background as a hip-hop dance instructor during his PT school days, highlighting the diverse interests and talents health professionals can bring to their work.

Key Takeaways:

Insights into how physical therapy plays a pivotal role in advancing public health goals and ensuring equitable access to healthcare.
Understanding the impact of social and health disparities and the vital role of education in fostering a more just healthcare system.
Practical advice for getting involved in disability advocacy and contributing to meaningful change in society.
Dr. Kennedy's anecdotes, emphasize the multifaceted nature of health professionals.

Guest Contact Information:

Dr. Winston Kennedy, Assistant Professor, and Public Health Physical Therapist
Instagram: @thetribe_lab

Previous Episode

Beyond the Field: Adam Thomas' Journey in Sports PT and Comedy

Adam Thomas, an Associate Clinical Professor at Northeastern University, who also serves as a physical therapist for collegiate athletics and professional rugby with The New England Free Jacks. With a rich background spanning from major league baseball to stand-up comedy, Adam shares his unique experiences and insights into the convergence of sports medicine and personal passions.

Episode Highlights:

From the Diamond to the Stage: Adam recounts his dynamic journey through the realms of professional sports therapy with teams like the Red Sox and the Cubs, to lighting up the stage with stand-up comedy.
The Life of a Sports PT: Delve into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of working as a physical therapist in high-stakes sports environments, including professional lacrosse and rugby.
Bridging Passions and Profession: Learn how Adam balances his clinical expertise with his role as an educator, shaping the next generation of PT professionals at Northeastern University.
Comedy and Care: Discover how humor plays a role in Adam's approach to physical therapy and education, and how performing stand-up comedy has influenced his professional life.

Key Takeaways:

Insights into the complexities and rewards of working as a PT/ATC in professional sports.
Strategies for balancing a demanding career in sports medicine with personal interests and hobbies.
The importance of humor and personality in building patient relationships and enhancing the therapeutic process.
An overview of the evolving landscape of physical therapy education and clinical practice.

Next Episode

Beyond Boundaries: Heidi Cheerman on Innovating PT Education and Embracing Change

Meet Heidi Cheerman, a dynamo in the field of physical therapy who's mastered the art of juggling roles as a DPT Professor, Assistant Dean for Interprofessional Education, and practicing clinician. In this episode, Heidi shares her insights on work-life balance, the exciting world of Extended Reality (XR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in DPT education, and the courage to change career paths within PT. Get ready to be inspired by her unique blend of expertise, innovation, and personal anecdotes that include giving birth in an unforgettable scenario!

Episode Highlights:

Mastering Work-Life Balance: Heidi dives into essential strategies for avoiding burnout, learning to say no, and making time for oneself. Discover how to recognize when you're stretched too thin and the coping strategies that work.
XR and VR in DPT Education: Explore the cutting-edge use of Extended Reality and Virtual Reality in physical therapy education and practice. Heidi discusses how these technologies are integrated with interprofessional education to enhance learning and collaboration.
Embracing Career Shifts: Hear about Heidi's personal journey from clinician to academia and how embracing change can lead to fulfilling career opportunities. She shares tips for recognizing when it's time for a change and how to approach it with a growth mindset.

Key Takeaways:

Practical advice on achieving work-life balance and recognizing burnout signs.
Insights into how XR and VR technologies are revolutionizing DPT education and fostering interprofessional collaboration.
Encouragement and guidance for PT professionals considering career transitions or looking to explore new opportunities within the field.
The importance of embracing unexpected life moments with resilience and humor.

Guest Contact Information: