LIVE WEBINAR DATE AND TIME
Tuesday, April 20, 2027 12:00-1:00pm CT

Note: If you are unable to attend the live event, you will be automatically enrolled in the on-demand version.  The on-demand version will be available six weeks after the live broadcast.

INSTRUCTORS (click on the name below to read faculty bio)
Anna Klipstein, PT, DPT, OCS

DESCRIPTION
This webinar explores maternal health disparities and the impact of implicit bias on maternal outcomes, particularly among individuals from historically marginalized racial and ethnic populations. Systemic barriers, social determinants of health and implicit bias impact patients throughout pregnancy, delivery and the 12-month postpartum period. Participants will analyze national and Illinois-specific data to identify systemic gaps in healthcare access and quality. This webinar will translate these findings into the physical therapy setting diving into screening tools, general orthopedic/pelvic floor dysfunction testing and referring out as needed. Participants will recognize the hidden barriers patients face when trying to access follow-up care and develop actionable strategies to foster equitable patient outcomes.

LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:  

1. Define and differentiate implicit and explicit bias
2. Describe how systemic barriers, social determinants of health and implicit bias impact disparities in maternal health outcomes across racial and ethnic groups
3. Identify ways for physical therapists to provide equitable care through proactive screening, culturally responsive communication and interdisciplinary referrals

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will be present during the live webinar in its entirety and complete an attendance verification and feedback survey in the Academy Learning Portal within one month of the live air date. 

AUDIENCE
Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants

CONTINUING EDUCATION
Physical Therapists: This online course has been approved by the Illinois Physical Therapy Board for 1.0 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 1.0 Contact Hours on 11/3/2026.

Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.

DISCLOSURES
Course Directors and Planning Committee Members:
Julie Lenkiewicz, MS, CCC-SLP Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Kolski, PT, OCS, Dip MDT Has nothing to disclose.
Leslie Marriott, OTR/L Has nothing to disclose.
Selah Bustamante, MSN, RN, CRRN Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Legreid, MSN, RN, CRRN, NPD-BC Has nothing to disclose.
Speakers, Moderators and Panelists:
Anna Klipstein, PT, DPT, OCS Has nothing to disclose.

ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.