CHSP Spotlight on Diversity: Caila Gissentaner

For Caila Gissentaner, senior pre-physical therapy major in the College of Health Sciences and Professions, health care disparities among minority communities are a top concern and was a driving force in her decision to seek a career in health care. 

Now, Gissentaner is the co-president of MAPS (Minority Association for Pre-Health Students), and her goal is to pursue a doctoral degree in physical therapy.  In addition to leadership in MAPS, Gissentaner serves as the president of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and the special events chair for the National Pan Hellenic Council.

The MAPS Ohio University Chapter includes undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students with aspirations of entering a health-related profession.   The association serves as a pipeline and mentorship program to bridge gaps for underrepresented students in health care.     

Gissentaner served in multiple roles over her time at OHIO in this organization because she believes so much in their mission to represent underrepresented minority students at OHIO through volunteer, mentorship, and community service opportunities. She recognizes the challenges students face when transitioning from high school to college life, especially for those who are underrepresented on their campus. She discussed how being the only student in your classes that looks like you can be an isolating feeling but taking part in student organizations like MAPS provides a sense of community and support.

“It is important to not only talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion, but to also understand it and become involved in implementing it in your community,” Gissentaner said.  She further explains how important it is to not just use DEI as a “box to check” on your to-do list but to actually put in the work to create real change and progress. She was full of ideas on events and discussions that our students, faculty, and staff in CHSP could participate in to become more engaged and connect with underrepresented students within the college.

Having patients be able to find care from a provider who understands the unique needs and challenges they face is important, according to Gissentaner.  Classes that provide articles, speakers, or topics on health care disparities are particularly useful and open up opportunities for meaningful conversations and different perspectives about others lived experiences.

Gissentaner has led by example during her time here at OHIO. She has participated in fun events, listened to speakers, participated in community service events and dined with professors.   She has engaged in blood drives, women’s hygiene drives, clothing drives and the Women’s Empowerment Brunch.  Gissentaner will participate in the upcoming OHIO Research Fair Symposium.  She has set the stage for the rest of us to not just talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion but to understand it, find the root cause, acknowledge color and what health care challenges exist for men and women of color, and most importantly to do our part, become engaged, and show support.