Who are you? How do you describe yourself? This isn't really a simple question. Most of us are many things to many different people. Yet, you probably rely on an inner core set of values and beliefs that color your outlook, influence your decisions, and demonstrate your fundamental essence to the world. Our professional identity may be a little easier to get a handle on. You may think of yourself professionally by the type of clinician you are, or by what you teach, or by what you choose to study. Maybe, you came upon this professional identity through a guided pathway or by trial and error working through the discovery of what just seems to fit best. When you find that part of physical therapy that is your professional match, you have purpose. Your intrinsic motivation and what you are seeking to accomplish are evident to all.

The esteemed researcher, author, and Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia, Dr Jerilynn Prior, is a great example of someone who found his or her purpose. Dr Prior is the founder and scientific director of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research for the study of women's health.1 Her extensive research has investigated menstrual cycles, perimenopause, menopause, and osteoporosis. She has authored several books to inform women about their normal hormonal life stages. Early in her career, she was astonished to learn that little was known about a woman's normal menstrual cycle throughout her life, from reproduction through menopause. In an address to the First Congress on Women, Health, and Work (Barcelona, 1996), she stated, "I believe that women-centred, physiologically accurate knowledge of what is normal related to our female bodies, menopause, menstrual cycles and many other aspects of our health does not exist."2

Organizations have purpose too. It drives us to devote time and energy to something that extends our professional identity beyond our narrow personal scope. At the Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy (JWHPT), we are dedicated to improving the quality of physical therapy for women. We invite submissions on all aspects of women's health because, like Dr Prior, we find it astonishing how little we actually really know. Of course, we also welcome research on pelvic health for all. Our goal is to bring you the highest quality of information to apply to your professional purpose.

In this issue, a group led by Dr Grossnickle presents a qualitative phenomenological study illuminating the experiences of physical therapists who work with women with chronic pelvic pain. There are 2 studies using the Delphi research technique aimed at determining consensus on physical therapist preferences for interventions. Dr Dufour's group targeted expert Canadian physiotherapists' preference for interventions for diastasis rectus abdominis during pregnancy that shows the influence of regional differences for interventions. Dr Alappattu et al used a modified Delphi technique to present interventions commonly used for pelvic pain. Findings of consensus studies present an opportunity to develop research investigating therapists' preferences. A clinical commentary by Dr Puentedura's team explores ways to look beyond a diagnostic label in chronic pain offering practical advice for intervention. Dr Khalaf Varveris shares an interesting case report on managing lumbar instability during pregnancy.

I invite you to be inspired by Dr Prior and use JWHPT to enlarge your professional scope to improve physical therapy for women.

-Cynthia M. Chiarello, PT, PhD

Editor-in-Chief

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