Perspectives of Racialized Physiotherapists in Canada on Their Experiences with Racism in the Physiotherapy Profession

Abstract

Purpose: We explored the perspectives of racialized physiotherapists in Canada on their experiences of racism in their roles as physiotherapists. Method: This qualitative descriptive cross-sectional study used semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. Data were organized using NVivo qualitative analysis software and analyzed using inductive and deductive coding following the six-step DEPICT method. Results: Twelve Canadian licenced physiotherapists (four men and eight women, three rural and nine urban, from multiple racialized groups) described the experiences of racism they faced in their roles as physiotherapists at the institutionalized, personally mediated, and internalized levels. These experiences were shaped by their personal characteristics, including accent, geographical location, and country of physiotherapy (PT) education. Participants described their responses to these incidents and provided insight into how the profession can mitigate racism and promote diversity and inclusion. Conclusions: Participants described interpersonal racism often mediated by location and accent and experiences of internalized racism causing self-doubt, but they most commonly detailed institutionalized racism. PT was experienced as being infused with Whiteness, which participants typically responded to by downplaying or ignoring. The findings from this study can be used to stimulate conversations in the Canadian PT community, especially among those in leadership positions, about not only acknowledging racism as an issue but also taking action against it with further research, advocacy, and training.