JULY 2022
DEI: DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AT PTSMC There is a lot of learning and energy being dedicated to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) by employers and specifically at PTSMC right now. Conferences and workshops have been attended by Sandra Boccialetti, Jenn Detlefsen, Karen Havlicek, Mallory Mason and Marilex Santiago. Employers are striving to understand these terms and create a more inclusive workplace. At PTSMC we are committed to do the same. For me, understanding the terminology of DEI has proven helpful because there are many variations, and yet there are fundamental concepts that can guide us as we continue to improve. Here are the basics. Diversity is the wide variety of characteristics that make each of us an individual. This may include experience, culture, identity, perspectives, age, gender, race, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, height, weight, and work style, to name a few. Equity means that everyone has what they need to succeed and participate fully, accounting for different access to opportunities, status and rights. Inclusion is about creating an environment of belonging. The goal is that all employees and patients feel welcome, supported, respected and valued. As I consider these terms and how they can be enacted to improve representation and participation within PTSMC, I hope that our people and patients feel valued, that PTSMC is a place where all feel safe to express themselves, and that they feel accepted for who they are and for the life and work experiences they bring to the organization. I know I have a lot to learn, and the more involved and educated I become in the conversation, the more committed I am to introducing a more formal approach to DEI in our organization. As we commit to DEI as a
company, I feel confident we have the right people to help navigate the discussions and opportunities for education to help ensure we are responding to all members of our PTSMC community in a way that is inclusive, respectful and safe for staff and patients alike. On June 23rd, we began this discussion of DEI with Partners & Directors at the Management Meeting. The initial conversation was led by Marilex Santiago with the aim of gauging our current understanding of DEI as leaders in our organization so that we can begin the crucial next step of bringing the conversation, and the opportunities it presents, to all staff. One of the first steps in starting our journey as an organization is leadership “buy in.” I can confidently say we have it at PTSMC. Next, we are assessing interest from employees to formally be involved in a committee or task force centered on DEI in action. If you have any interest in participating in this group, please reach out to Marilex at Marilex.Santiago@ptsmc.com. I have often stated that our people are PTSMC’s greatest asset. I am confident these conversations and opportunities will help us become a more inclusive workplace for our people.
Clinician’s Corner by Spencer LeBel, West Hartford Physical Therapist
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StriveHub Fab 5 “This is the best. I can't even begin to tell you how fantastic Rebecca (Petrosino) and her team are. Professional, knowledgeable yes but the individual care you get..amazing. Hands on and personal.” - Fairfield
Thanks,
Alan
Congrats to PTSMC Orthopaedic Residency Graduates - NEW Board certified Orthopedic Specialists!
IN THIS ISSUE
Patient Trends
“I love the care I have received so far form Nick (Almonte) and Chris (Patrick). I feel like they work with me and my needs personally, and do that for everyone else too! I've been really proud of the progress I have made on my ankle, and would be nowhere near it if it weren't for them and the entire staff at PTSMC Shelton! Highly recommend to everyone :)” - Shelton “Right from minute one my health issues were understood and treated legitimately. My physical therapist, Channing Harwood, and all at PTSMC are super approachable, kind, impeccable and fantastic. Thank you for bringing me to the conclusion that physical therapists are the real "doctors.” - Plainville “I love the easy communication with the front desk for scheduling. You can tell that the staff works together as a team, which is nice. My PT, Amy (Demers), is very competent and compassionate.” - Branford
Meghan Blanusa, PT, DPT, OCS Naugatuck
Sam McMullen, PT, DPT, OCS, MS, ATC, PES Southington
Andrew Kalach, PT, DPT, OCS Fairfield
“The staff is very friendly and helpful. This is my second go around with them, and even though the size of staff has tripled, they haven’t sacrificed their attention to detail.” - Orange