Curiosity is the Wick

What has inspired you to expand your knowledge of pelvic health?

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity." This sentiment resonates deeply with me, particularly in my journey toward becoming a physical therapist. Before enrolling in physical therapy school, I worked as a physical therapy technician at a local clinic. While the clinic offered a range of orthopedic outpatient services, it had only two specialized areas: lymphedema and pelvic floor therapy.

The pelvic floor specialist's schedule was consistently full, displaying a significant demand for this particular type of care. Patients sought out this specialist with dedication, often leaving appointments with tears of joy and scheduling numerous follow-ups. They would frequently recommend the specialist to friends and family, highlighting a strong need for pelvic floor therapy. Despite this, the clinic had only one pelvic floor physical therapist, a pattern I observed across many outpatient clinics.

This scarcity of pelvic floor therapists led me to question why there were so few professionals trained in this specialty and what went on behind those closed doors. I became increasingly curious about the trends I noticed: the alarming frequency of fatal accidents among women of color after childbirth, the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction among female athletes, and my own experiences with this condition. When asked what inspired me to deepen my understanding of pelvic health, my answer is simple: curiosity. As William Arthur Ward wisely noted, "Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning." It is this curiosity that drives me to explore and address the gaps in pelvic health care, aiming to make a meaningful impact in this crucial field.

Pelvic Health Conditions of Interest

Given my passion for dance and female athletes, I'm fascinated by how rigorous physical training impacts the entire body, including the pelvic floor, on physical, emotional, and psychological levels.  I've come to understand how prevalent pelvic floor dysfunction can be among this group, with many facing issues like stress incontinence, urge incontinence, pelvic pain, and prolapse. I've also become interested in addressing the needs of women of color who are either pregnant or experiencing postpartum pelvic floor issues. My main focus is on the intersection of female athletes and pelvic health, encompassing pregnancy, postpartum challenges, and constipation.

Community Needs

I’ve noticed a major gap in maternal care for women of color, especially African American women, during pregnancy. Elizabeth Howell, in her article "Reducing Disparities in Severe Maternal Morbidity and Mortality," highlights a striking reality: “Black women are three to four times more likely to die a pregnancy-related death compared to white women.” She emphasizes that “growing research indicates that quality of healthcare, from preconception through postpartum care, may be a critical lever for improving outcomes for racial and ethnic minority women.”

A recent and heartbreaking example highlights this problem: Krystal Anderson, a Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader, tragically died of sepsis after giving birth in March. Her case illustrates the persistent problem of pelvic health dysfunction among women of color and emphasizes the urgent need to improve healthcare quality to save lives. Stories like hers fuel my passion for advancing pelvic floor health.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial issues in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. There is a pressing need for more healthcare providers who can challenge and move beyond harmful stereotypes—like the idea that people of color are  inherently "stronger," have predetermined comorbidities that lessen the urgency of their care, or are less interested in seeking proper treatment. Such biases only lead to preventable tragedies.

Pelvic floor health is also an under-discussed topic among our generation. Many people are misinformed or unsure where to seek help for pelvic floor dysfunction. Expanding the number of skilled clinicians in this field is essential for providing the necessary education and care. I believe that improving education, ensuring equality, and offering comprehensive care for pelvic floor health are vital, regardless of race, gender, or status.

Vision for the Future of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

As described in my personal statement video, my vision for the future of pelvic health is one that is deeply rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Pelvic health has been clouded by stigma, ignorance, and inequalities for too long. In my vision of the future, pelvic health is a space where everyone feels seen, heard, taken care of, and valued. It's a space where diversity is celebrated, where cultural differences are understood and respected to the best of our abilities. Pelvic health is where equality between all patients no matter the race or physical presentation is standard.

No one should feel excluded or insignificant when seeking care for their pelvic health. In order to reach this future goal, additional education and awareness may be warranted in current training for pelvic health. This will ensure that healthcare providers are prepared to understand and address the unique needs of diverse populations. The future of pelvic health may look like barrier breaking changes to access of care whether it be financial, geographical, or even cultural.

Not only do I support equal access to care, but I also want to create environments where patients feel supported and catered to. Above all, my vision of the future of pelvic health is one of advocacy and education.  We should continue to empower individuals to take control of their own health, advocate for patients who may be overlooked, and gain the education to understand that each patient has an individual need that is specifically catered to them. My vision of the future of pelvic health will break the silence surrounding pelvic health issues and advocate for change.

References

BrainyQuote. (n.d.). Curiosity quotes. BrainyQuote. Retrieved August 7, 2024, from https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/curiosity-quotes

Howell E. A. (2018). Reducing Disparities in Severe Maternal Morbidity and Mortality. Clinical obstetrics and gynecology, 61(2), 387–399. https://doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0000000000000349

Author: Georgina Gabbidon, PT, DPT

Author Bio: Hello! My name is Georgina Gabbidon I was born and raised in Prince George's County Maryland by my mother who is originally from Kingston, Jamaica and father from Freetown, Sierra Leone. I attended University of Maryland, College Park where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Dance with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovations in 2019. My official graduation date from Emory University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program is August 9th, 2024. I plan to begin my career in Physical therapy in the fall.

Connect with Georgina: Instagram - @ms.sapphir3