A New Chapter in My PT Journey: Finding Purpose, Passion & Connection through Pelvic Health

Receiving the APTA Pelvic Health CAPP scholarship has given me an opportunity to pursue something that has become incredibly meaningful to me. It has also reminded me that professional growth does not always follow a predictable path. Sometimes, the experiences that challenge us personally become the experiences that lead us towards our greatest professional purpose. I never imagined that helping women navigate pelvic floor dysfunction would bring together so many aspects of my life: my experiences with motherhood, my interest in different communities, my love of learning, and my commitment to helping others. Yet here I am, 16 years into my career, feeling a renewed sense of excitement about the possibilities within Physical Therapy.

My interest in pelvic health did not develop solely from textbooks, continuing education, courses, or clinical experiences. It grew from my own journey through motherhood. Experiencing pregnancy, childbirth by cesarean, postpartum depression, pelvic floor challenges, and trauma associated with certain aspects of my birthing experience profoundly changed my perspective. These experiences opened my heart to the realities that so many women navigate, often quietly and without adequate support. I began to recognize how much more there was to understand about women’s bodies, the physical and emotional transitions associated with motherhood, and the long-term impact of pregnancy. My own experiences made me curious, more compassionate, and determined to learn. I found myself wanting to understand not only the science behind pelvic health, but also the cultural, emotional, and social influences that shape a woman’s experience throughout her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.

One of the areas that excites me most about this journey is learning about the cultural practices, traditions, and ancestral wisdom surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. I am particularly interested in learning more about the distinct customs and traditions of Native Hawaiians, Alaskan Native, as well as some African and Caribbean communities. I think it is important to understand how women have traditionally been supported during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and how those practices continue to influence health and healing today.

I believe there is tremendous value in exploring the intersection of ancestral knowledge and modern evidence-based medicine. The goal is not to assume that one approach to healthcare fits every woman or community. Rather, the focus should be on how we can learn to respectfully integrate cultural traditions, personal beliefs, and current scientific knowledge to create care plans that honor the individual. Women deserve healthcare that recognizes not only their anatomy and physiology, but also their identities, histories, families, and communities.

I am eager to continue my education, connect with other professionals, and learn from indigenous and culturally diverse communities. I want to contribute to a future in which women’s healthcare is more inclusive, culturally responsive, accessible, and compassionate. I am excited about what lies ahead not because I have all the answers, but because I have found an area of practice that makes me want to keep asking questions.

Meet the Author

Vikki Francis, PT, DPT

I graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Sports Studies, then went on to earn my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from New York Medical College in 2010. I have been a travel Physical Therapist for many years and now live full time in Alaska.

Instagram handle: @boltphysicaltherapy