First-generation college students (FGCS) are considered underrepresented minorities in healthcare. While there are numerous studies on undergraduate students, little is known about FGCS in graduate programs, as this information has not been routinely collected. As such, diversity has been measured only based on race or ethnicity, which may not capture diversity from a broader definition. Furthermore, current research provides a deficit narrative, presenting these students as lacking in abilities and capital. However, these students were successful as undergraduates to enter graduate school and likely have undisclosed strengths. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to develop a comprehensive understanding of FGCS in graduate healthcare programs. All students enrolled in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or pharmacy programs at Creighton University in Phoenix were invited to complete a survey with items related to demographics, parental educational attainment, cultural capital, help-seeking and help-avoidance, and sense of belonging. Additionally, most of the FGCS in this study participated in semi-structured interviews with questions related to cultural capital and experiences in their current programs. The results show that FGCS in this study demonstrate similar cultural capital, help-seeking and help-avoidance, and sense of belonging as their peers. From the interviews, the FGCS strengths include family support, navigational capital, a desire to give back to their communities by providing care in underserved areas, and they have a desire to connect to faculty and peers. Challenges include family stressors, finances, mental health, and academic issues. These are presented with evidence-based recommendations for faculty and administrators. This study provides a more holistic view of FGCS as they navigate graduate school. By avoiding a deficit narrative, this study improves our understanding of FGCS.

The purpose of the present study was to determine if a relationship exists between adaptive patterns of causal attributions, adherence, and outcome success in physical therapy behavior. Adaptive casual attributions were defined as internal, controllable, and stable attributions as per Weiner's Attribution Theory of Motivation. Participants were seeking physical therapy for a post-surgical knee injury, with (n=3). Attributions were measured using the CDSII questionnaire, and outcome success was measured by the KOOS questionnaire to assess various dimensions of knee functionality. The respective physical therapist for the patient also completed the RAdMAT questionnaire to measure adherence. The data collected for all participants was analyzed qualitatively, with some emphasis on quantitative findings. Results showed mixed evidence for a relationship between adaptive attributions and adherence across the three participants. A trend toward a relationship between adaptive attributions and outcome success was observed in one participant. In addition, it was observed that adherence does play an indirect role in relating adaptive attributions and outcome success for physical therapy. Conclusions drawn from this pilot study should be used to further educate physical therapists and respective patients in how to improve adherence and experience positive outcomes for rehabilitation.