Global Health Special Interest Group

Programming Chair 

MARIA AGUILA, PT, DPT

BIOGRAPHY

I am a first generation immigrant who was brought up and graduated from my bachelor studies in the Philippines. However, I have also been educated in the United States (US) for my doctorate degree (DPT), is currently teaching in institutions offering DPT degrees, own a private practice that serves in the most culturally diverse mid sized city in the country. I have lived in the US for the last 2 decades, and have integrated my ethnic and racial background in my present life as a US citizen. I believe that as a representative of both Eastern and Western cultures, I can bring a wider perspective that can help grow and increase engagement in the GH SIG. I belong to the "sandwich" generation at present. I understand enough of the older, traditional ways because I was brought up and mentored by them. I understand that certain practices, ethics and values are needed to anchor the profession such that it will continue to stand in strong foundations that can weather the present and future challenges. However, in my role as a mother, clinician and educator to the next generation of physical therapists, I understand that we also have to adapt to the various ways that information and practices can be delivered so it reaches the population effectively without compromising who we are and what we stand for as an association. I have a unique background in having worked in a multinational pharmaceutical company in both sales and marketing. I am skilled in organizational planning and implementation of programs and activities that suits a wide variety of audience while being true to my mission and goals. I am standing in different intersectionalities at this point in my life as I am a leader and a follower, a mentor and a mentee, a teacher and a student all at the same time. I think that the instances where I seem to have reached a peak is always an opportunity to go back to the trenches so I can apply and teach the lessons I have learned in turn. I am both a student and teacher of lifelong learning. 
 

STATEMENT

It is challenging to serve in the Physical Therapy profession as a leader at this time as we are at a tipping point in many regards. We are seeing generational differences, increasing cultural diversity, changing values, norms and processes. The world seems to be getting smaller with technology but it seems to highlight more of our differences than similarities, which is why the Global Health SIG is all the more vital at this time because given our combined skills and experiences as a group, we have the ability to see things from a wider perspective which we can share with and benefit the profession. Along with the challenges, it is also an exciting time for the person serving the position of GH SIG Programming Chair because the position comes with an opportunity to unite these differences and the intersectionality it brings through creative and innovative programming at the CSM and other events throughout the year. This is time to be bold as we present new ideas and implement new activities that the membership have never seen before. However, what we also need to revive is the connection that we seem to have lost in the last years. While we value independence in the modern world, we as humans and as a profession thrive as a village. I strive to work alongside all our members to create a global village within the APTA that will make the GH SIG more relevant as ever. In looking back, I believe that my background as an Internationally Educated PT, clinician and private practice owner, and academician, along with the lessons I have learned as a leader, parent, lifelong student and community builder, prepared me to take the responsibilities for this role. My past and present leadership positions within the APTA provide me a good understanding of how to collaborate with the ALI and fellow GH SIG leaders in fulfilling the mission of the group.