Perspectives on gender and professional issues among female physical therapists

The purposes of this study were to identify gender-related values, perceptions, and experiences of female physical therapists as these factors relate to female physical therapists' professional development and to offer an initial critique of the identified elements in comparison with a traditional model of professionalism. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 physical therapists in two different states by the primary investigator. The interviews were analyzed utilizing qualitative data-analysis techniques, and a conceptual framework was developed from the literature and the interviews. Three major thematic categories were identified: (1) values, comprising the subcomponents of caring, relationship, empowerment, and context; (2) family role, comprising the subcomponents of enhancements, limitations, and coping strategies; and (3) sexism, comprising the subcomponents of leadership, money, and respect. These findings provide an initial basis for understanding more about factors that may both limit and enhance female physical therapists' professional development.