We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Kamaria Washington, PT, DPT. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Kamaria below.

Dr. Kamaria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

Absolutely, there was a defining moment in my professional journey that altered the trajectory of my career. While attending the University of Michigan, I initially pursued a path toward becoming a pediatrician as a pre-med student. However, the challenges posed by organic chemistry prompted me to reevaluate my career goals. Despite being enrolled in the School of Kinesiology, my pursuit of physical therapy also didn’t align with my aspirations.

The pivotal moment came during the Harvard Black Health Matters Conference in 2019. In one of the lectures, I was exposed to the stark disparities within maternal health care, particularly the racial inequities impacting Black families. The revelation of this harsh reality moved me profoundly, and I vividly remember shedding tears during that eye-opening lecture.

The statistic that resonated with me the most was the alarming fact that Black mothers in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from maternal complications than their white counterparts, a sobering data point from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Motivated by the desire to address this issue, I engaged with the lecturer and together, we crafted a new career plan within the realm of physical therapy—specifically focusing on pelvic physical therapy. This decision led me to graduate from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2021.

Fast forward three years, and my practice is thriving. I aspire to broaden my impact by launching online programs to enhance access to education. However, my overarching goal is to establish a comprehensive service for pregnant individuals—a one-stop shop offering services like massages, acupuncture, and other essential needs.

This transformative experience taught me the power of adapting and redefining one’s professional path based on a genuine passion for addressing critical issues. It reinforced the importance of staying open to new possibilities and embracing change, even if it means deviating from the initial career plan. The lessons learned from this journey extend beyond the realms of my professional life, emphasizing the significance of being attuned to societal challenges and using one’s skills to make a meaningful difference.

Dr. Kamaria, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Certainly! I’m Dr. K, a Detroit native, and my journey in the world of physical therapy and women’s health is deeply rooted in a passion for holistic care and community advocacy. I earned my Bachelors of Science in Movement Science at the University of Michigan, laying the foundation for my commitment to improving women’s health.

Fueling my dedication to the field, I pursued a Doctorate at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, Massachusetts. As an adjunct faculty member there, I’m actively involved in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. My academic pursuits didn’t stop there; I continued my education at Therapeutic Associates Bethany in Portland, Oregon, where I immersed myself in extensive pelvic floor training through Herman and Wallace pelvic floor continuing education.

Today, I proudly wear multiple hats within the community. I am a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, leveraging my expertise to address a range of women’s health issues. Additionally, I serve as a birth prep educator and am on the path to becoming a Lamaze certified Childbirth Educator. My advocacy extends to the digital realm, where I engage with my community as a Women’s Health & Wellness influencer (@dr.kwashington_).

In 2022, I founded Pelvic Noire LLC, a platform designed to promote birth justice from a pelvic floor and holistic perspective. My mission goes beyond traditional clinical practice; it encompasses mindfulness, community responsibility, and a commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to women’s health, integrating mindfulness into my practice and emphasizing community responsibility. I take pride in being an advocate for black maternal wellness, working tirelessly to address disparities and promote positive birthing experiences. Whether in the clinic, the classroom, or the digital space, I strive to empower individuals with knowledge, support, and a comprehensive approach to their well-being.

For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want them to know that my work is not just a profession; it’s a mission to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities. From personalized pelvic floor therapy to education and advocacy, I am dedicated to fostering a culture of wellness, equity, and empowerment.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Listening and answering the problem. Instagram is my platform of preference for use to reach my clientele, and the only way marketing to grow clientele works is if you are LISTENING to what potential clients are asking. Being available online has helped me understand what questions are asked the most, what fears there are around the topics I’m in expert in, and what problems are inconveniencing this community. From there, I have been able to use reels, collaboration with colleagues, IG Lives, and etc to speak directly to those pain points. It’s super effective in getting clients in the door because they can see you care and you have the answer to what they’ve been trying to figure out.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

So many things come to mind, but right now, my heart leans toward boundaries. Boundaries are important in general, and I particularly see how important they are with this profession where we want to really see our patients/clients win and are completely invested in making sure they get the best care possible. Often times, they are telling us things they have never shared with anyone else and it can be a lot to hold space for that every day for multiple people. Super important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself and prioritizing your work life boundaries to stay on top of nurturing yourself while nurturing others. So important!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pelvicnoire.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pelvicnoire/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pelvicnoire