Women’s Month at CAMP: Promoting Gender-inclusive Care for All

To close women’s month, the CAMP Gender and Women Committee organized a webinar entitled Gender-inclusive Care: OT, PT, and SLP in Supporting Diverse Health Needs. Experts from the fields of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech pathology discussed the nuances of care that is accessible and equitable across genders. Discussions highlighted pelvic rehabilitation for both women and men, the role of each individual in promoting gender as an occupation, and key considerations for the aging female voice, particularly the impact of laryngeal, hormonal, and pelvic health.

CAMP alumna, Ai P. Nakamura, PTRP shared her knowledge on various pelvic health issues and their management, including urinary incontinence, constipation, and pelvic pain. She emphasized the role of pelvic physical therapy in tailored management and patient education.

Rod Charlie Delos Reyes, MSOT, OTRP highlighted five key roles of occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. These include serving as navigators in understanding gender and sexuality, researchers in evidence-based practices, enablers of gender expression, allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, and advocates for inclusion in all spaces.

Finally, CAMP alumna, Carla Krishan Cuadro, MRS-SP, RSLP underscored the intricate connection between the vocal cords, respiratory diaphragm, and pelvic floor muscles in relation to the aging female voice. She underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing these changes.

On our journey towards inclusive healthcare services, and an inclusive environment at CAMP, let us work together in creating spaces that are not only safe but also honor every individual’s unique needs.