Hispanic Heritage Month

Join the Department of Physical Therapy as we celebrate the cultures, contributions and stories of Hispanic and Latinx faculty, staff and students within the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and UF Health Science Center.

Student Experiences

Virginia Ferguson
Virginia Ferguson, First Year DPT Student

Virginia Ferguson

First Year DPT Student

Can you describe your experience in higher education as a Hispanic/Latinx individual?

My experience in higher education as a Latina has been very positive, through lots of dedication and commitment. My mom, a Mexican immigrant, has always taught me by her example to work hard for the things I want to achieve. Because of her example and my hard work, I have gotten to where I am now pursuing my Doctorate. 

What inspired you to pursue physical therapy as a profession, and how has being Hispanic/Latinx shaped your experience?

I was inspired to pursue the field of physical therapy because it is a healthcare profession that allows us to witness the growth of a patient over time. Physical therapists have the opportunity to connect to their patients in a way no other medical professional can. Being Latina has shaped my experience because I am able to reach a demographic of patients who are solely Spanish speakers. My mom taught my sisters and I Spanish growing up, and now it feels so great to be able to use this skill my mom taught me in a professional setting in places such as the equal access clinic. 

What should colleges and universities do to support their Hispanic and Latinx populations on campus?

Colleges and Universities should support their Hispanic and Latinx populations by hiring Hispanic/Latinx teachers, mentors, and advisors. As a first-generation college student and the oldest of 3 siblings, there was not many people I could go to when it came to questions about higher education. I believe having someone who can relate to you and give you advice throughout your educational journey can be so helpful to many Hispanic/Latinx students. 

Why do you think it’s so important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

I think it is important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month because it allows Hispanic/Latinx people to celebrate and be proud of the culture they come from. Hispanic people make up such a large percentage of the United States population, and we are such a diverse demographic of people with heritage from many different countries. 


Maria Gomez, Third Year DPT Student

Maria Gomez

First Year DPT Student

Can you describe your experience in higher education as a Hispanic/Latinx individual?

I was born in Colombia, and my parents brought my brother and me to the US when I was 4 to provide us with better opportunities and a better life. As a first-generation college student, pursuing this higher education is an example of the better life and opportunities my parents hoped for. The ability to impact change in the healthcare system, provide better care with cultural proficiency, and assist with the health disparities in this population are prime examples of these opportunities.

What inspired you to pursue physical therapy as a profession, and how has being Hispanic/Latinx shaped your experience?

Being involved in sports my whole life initially inspired me to pursue physical therapy as I spent so many years seeing the effect that rehabilitation can have on the body and mind to return to sport after injury.

Being Hispanic/Latinx has shaped my experience with physical therapy significantly, since being a rehab tech in undergrad and before. I have seen Latinx/Hispanic members provided lesser care in the communities/hospitals/clinics due to language barriers, low health literacy, and more. This has allowed me to increase my cultural competence and further provide assistance with Spanish translation to any healthcare worker around me in order to play any part in providing better opportunities for better outcomes for this population.

What should colleges and universities do to support their Hispanic and Latinx populations on campus?

Colleges and universities should encourage awareness of the Hispanic clubs and entities that unite our community and encourage meetings or support for Hispanic/Latinx populations who may feel left out or require a place of familiarity, comfort, and support.

They should also increase general awareness and statistics on decreased healthcare outcomes for minorities, in general, and how we can do our part to assist in eliminating health disparities.

Why do you think it’s so important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

I believe it’s important to recognize and embrace the variety of cultures and diversity among all of us that make up the community as a whole. We should recognize our differences and similarities to understand and provide better care/compassion towards one another. It is important to celebrate what you come from and what has made you, you. Everything in this world originates from somewhere. That along with the contributions to our communities and the world that have come from a culture or heritage that you identify with, should be embraced.


Interprofessional Health Care