Apr 06 2022
Trei, Anna Claire
Professional Goal Statement
As a practicing physical therapist my goal is to treat and empower patients of all ages and abilities to return to activities that give their lives meaning. During PT school I have developed a special interest in the older adult and geriatric population spanning across all settings including but not limited to neurological, cardio-respiratory, and orthopedic impairments. As a professional, I am committed to providing compassionate care for my patients and excellence in PT in the form of evidence-based treatments rooted in function that allows patients to maximize their ability and level of independence to meet their specific functional goals. My ultimate career goal is to empower older adults to maximize their potential, combat the barriers of ageism, and provide care that promotes successful aging.
Objectives
- Graduate from UNC Chapel Hill with my DPT in August of 2022
- Take the NPTE and pass it to become a licensed Physical Therapist in October 2022
- Accept and begin my first job working with adults in the outpatient setting in fall of 2022
- Develop my involvement in state and national professional organizations
- Become a certified clinical instructor and mentor for aspiring physical therapists
- Become a well-respected geriatric physical therapist
Career Plan
- May 2018: Graduated from North Carolina State University with a BA in Biology and minor in Sports Science
- August 2019-August 2022: Enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at UNC Chapel Hill
- Electives
- Research Experience with Dr. Jessica Cassidy PT, DPT, PhD and the Stroke Management Training and Inpatient Rehabilitation Discharge Study (STRIDE) (2 credits)
- Advanced Orthopaedic Assessment and Treatment (2 credits)
- Integrated Clinical Experience in outpatient orthopedics (1 credit)
- Teacher Scholar for PHYT 736: Physical Therapy for Older Adults
- Capstone
- Clinical Experience
- Lenior Memorial Hospital Kinston, NC – Hospital based Outpatient Orthopedics (October 2021-December 2021), 8 weeks
- Atrium Carolina’s Rehabilitation Charlotte, NC – Inpatient Rehabilitation – Stroke and TBI (March 2021-April 2021), 8 weeks
- Atrium Cleveland Health Shelby, NC – Acute Care (ICU) (April 2021-June 2021), 8 weeks
- Integrative Therapies Chapel Hill, NC – Outpatient Orthopedics (May 2022- July 2022), 12 weeks
- Electives
- August 2022: Graduate from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
- October 2022: Sit from the National Physical Therapy Examination and become a licensed physical therapist. Receive and accept a job off for an outpatient orthopedic adult clinic.
- November 2022: Begin working as a full time licensed physical therapist in the outpatient orthopedic setting in Richmond, VA.
- 2023: Become certified in dry needling.
- 2024-2025: Determine a special interest for clinical certification and sit for that certification.
- 2025: Become a APTA certified clinical instructor.
Specific Strategies
- Utilize exam preparation course material in addition to my course materials to prepare for the NPTE
- Begin my job search in Richmond, VA when I move in August 2022: apply to clinics that fit my interest and interview before my NPTE test date in October to have a job lined up for after my exam
- Find a job that supports my continuing education opportunities and is willing to pay for me to take the dry needling certification
- Attend an APTA Geriatric section event (online or in person)
- Attend CSM to build my professional network
Self-Assessment
- Strengths
- Professionalism
- Communication
- Clinical Reasoning
- Patient and family education
- Patient centered care
- Exercise prescription to promote functional goal achievement
- Passion for geriatric care and successful aging
- Areas for Professional Development
- Complex patient management
- Involvement in APTA and other professional organizations on a state and national level
- Expertise in geriatric care
- Involvement in research
- Advocacy
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Reflection
During my second clinical experience in the height of the global pandemic and racial justice unrest I had the opportunity to view and discuss the documentary Black Men in White Coats by Dr. Dale Okorodudu, MD with fellow healthcare workers in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. The documentary dissects the systemic barriers that black men experience in the healthcare system as both patients and aspiring clinicians that leave them severely underrepresented in the healthcare workforce. Prior to PT school, I had been ignorant to the extent to which health disparities ran deeply rooted in our medical system. I’m grateful to have experienced PT school at a time where inequities, and disparities are being highlighted in both our healthcare system and country. The importance of actively working to combat biases and decrease systemic barriers by supporting and promoting black and other marginalized communities cannot be understated. The documentary, in addition to conversations I had during PT school, have challenged me to look at my own biases and identify the inequities that are present specifically in physical therapy. The lack of diversity in the field of PT is jarring. As clinicians of the next generation, it is our job to fight for policies that increase the diversity of our field to better reflect our patient population and perform outreach that allow us to reach underserved populations. Our courses PHYT 739 and 839 highlight how essential it is to be an advocate and leader within our profession to make real change. These courses taught me that change is possible, but it starts on an individual and local level of conversation and action. I’m committed to being an advocate for change in the field of PT.
Product Examples
Capstone Project (products linked on website)
Business Plan: Amplify PT and Wellness
Geriatric Rehabilitation Interventions
Reflective Statement
My didactic and clinical experience over the past 3 years has facilitated the development my clinical reasoning skills, professionalism, communication, and confidence as a professional in the field of physical therapy. I have learned about the challenges of the profession within the healthcare system and how to be an advocate for a profession that is growing and defining itself daily. My eyes have been opened to the lack of diversity in our profession and I am committed to being an ally and champion for change to reflect the populations that we serve. Although I crave a “right answer,” my appreciation of the “it depends,” has grown and I understand how each patient is unique in their impairments, their response to treatment, and how there is rarely one correct answer for the method of treatment for any individual patient. Although it can sometimes be intimidating, I enjoy the constant challenge of a clinical case with a unique presentation, the critical thinking, and empathy required to be an effective healthcare provider.
Professionally, I have discovered a deep passion for the treatment of older adults. I’m grateful for the UNC curriculum and faculty that has facilitated the discovery of my passion and allowed me to share my passion as the first teaching assisted for PHYT 736: Physical Therapy for Older Adults. As I begin my career, I hope to discover the setting that inspires me most and serve as a mentor to aspiring PTs just as faculty, my clinical instructors, and mentors have done for me. I plan to become involved with the geriatric section of the APTA, make connections with other therapists who are passionate about the field of geriatrics, and continue to learn from them and grow my knowledge on how to best serve that population. I plan on seeking further education and certification specific to the geriatric population through specialist certification and continuing education courses specific to strength training and the care of older adults.
Well done AC! It is so nice to see your reflection, as well as all your goals and accomplishments. You have much to be proud of. I also enjoyed looking over your business plan. You have some great ideas! I look forward to seeing you working in the community serving older adults and hopefully working with students too! Congrats and good luck! Lisa
Great portfolio, AC! I’m so happy that our paths crossed this year as part of your participation in STRIDE. Thank you for bringing your energy and enthusiasm to the project. It was wonderful watching you connect with our study participants. Congratulations and best wishes.
Cheers,
Jessica
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