Dixon fell in love with the field of physical therapy after taking an introductory course in high school, but she wasn’t always convinced it was for her. She was overwhelmed by anxiety and fear even before orientation over whether she belonged. Her uncertainty was compounded by a noticeable shortage of women in the field who looked like her.
Now, having joined the roughly two percent of Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates who are African American women, she is proud to serve as an example for future students.
“This is more than a personal milestone. It’s a reminder that representation matters, especially where we’re overlooked.”
—MaeKenzi Dixon, Class of 2025
In her speech to the Class of 2025, Dixon spoke to the responsibility she and her classmates hold as future health care providers. She shared her own experience of finding her voice as a provider during a clinical rotation on Navajo Nation in Arizona.
While working with a therapy-resistant patient, Dixon visited the home and found that the patient was struggling in silence with challenges that the resources being provided couldn’t address.
By speaking up and advocating for modifications to make the home more accessible, Dixon improved the patient’s ability to care for herself.
“Health care doesn’t always start with a diagnosis,” said Dixon. “Sometimes it starts with listening, showing up, seeing people and advocating for them when they can’t do it for themselves.”
