DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement

Following graduating from the illustrious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a doctorate in physical therapy, I intend to work in an outpatient orthopedic clinic somewhere in the local triangle area. Although, various areas of physical therapy peaked my interested throughout my physical therapy academic matriculation. Orthopedics and sports medicine have always remained as my highly favorited physical therapy topics and most desirable clinical settings. I currently aspire to work in an outpatient orthopedic setting for at least 8-15 years and then transition to a sports medicine clinic. My goal is to incorporate my love of exercise and sports with my passion for caring for others to help my patients routinely receive optimal care to assist in their return to the activities they are passionate about.

Career Plan

• • Pass Accomplishments

    • Graduated from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a minor in Nutrition

  • Clinical Experience

    • NHRMC Oleander Rehab; Wilmington, NC – 8 Weeks
      • Outpatient Orthopedics
    • UNC Hospitals; Chapel Hill, NC – 8 Weeks
      • Acute Care
    • Piedmont Health Senior Care (PACE); Pittsboro, NC – 8 Weeks
      • Neuromuscular Outpatient Rehab
    • Integrated Clinical Experience Elective: University Physical Therapy; Hillsborough, NC – 60 Hours
      • Outpatient Orthopedics
    • Emory Health; Atlanta, GA – 12 Weeks
      • Outpatient Orthopedics

  • Future Plans/Objectives

    • Graduate from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy
    • Pass the NPTE on the first attempt
    • Begin working in an Outpatient Orthopedics Clinic in Raleigh/Durham, NC
    • Obtain my Dry Needle Certification
    • Become a Clinical Instructor

 Self-Assessment

• • Strengths
    • Building quality patient rapport
    • Expansive clinical tool box
    • Ability to work well with others of diverse backgrounds
    •  Professionalism
  • Areas for Professional Development
    • Increase my depth of knowledge and understanding of billing and insurance
    • Continue to improve my efficiency and flow during initial evaluations
    • Ability to multi-task (see more than one patient at a time)

Specific Strategies

• • Efficiently & effectively study for the NPTE which entails creating and following a study plan/schedule, allowing myself adequate time to study/prepare, and utilizing reputable study resources
  • Routinely participate in Continuing Education Courses to obtain my Dry Needling Certification and to stay up to date with current literature/best practice guidelines
  • Finding and connecting with a knowledgeable mentor who can provide beneficial guidance and advice
  • Maintaining connections with current classmates and faculty
  • Maintain my APTA membership and attend CSM when permitted

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Through my experiences at UNC-Greensboro in combination with my experiences at UNC-Chapel Hill, I have further increased my depth of knowledge and passion for assisting those within marginalized groups. It was extremely beneficial and useful to learn about the major role that insurance and health literacy can have on a patient’s holistic health and utilization of healthcare services. Although we all joined the healthcare profession to assist others in optimizing and maintaining their health/functional status. Insurance, socioeconomic status, and accessibility can all negatively impact the quality of care a patient receives. It is my goal to use this knowledge regarding the social determinants of health which was acquired during physical therapy school, to motivate me to participate in pro-bono clinics and become an advocate for those who are unfortunately forgotten and disregarded.

Product Examples

• • Capstone Project Website: Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition
    • https://dptcapstone.web.unc.edu/2023/05/19/arthrogenic-muscle-inhibition/
  • Osteoporosis Background & Proposed Exercise Interventions
    • https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zbOCkDDvfhUnYerMPRPMDCbjApPgjH9aIIVsg4iDXG4/edit?usp=sharing

Reflective statement and assessment of progress toward goal.

As I reflect on my academic journey through UNC’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program and as I reflect on who I was when I first began the program and who I am now. I believe I have grown so much not only as a student or clinician but as a person as well, and I give an enormous amount of credit to the program for assisting in my growth. Attending graduate school at one of the nation’s top universities consisted of a very rigorous and challenging journey which at times made me doubt my abilities and made me question if I truly belonged both in the program and in the profession. However, these challenging times motivated me to prove to myself that I do belong and that I am worthy and capable of ultimately becoming a UNC graduate and a licensed physical therapist. My PT school matriculation allowed me to grow and become the intelligent and respectful person and clinician that I always desired to be. With this premier education from UNC and through the mentorship that I have received thus far. I have no doubt in my mind that I will achieve every professional goal that I set out for myself.

Professional Goal Statement

My time with the UNC DPT program has taught me to be a well rounded physical therapist who applies an evidence based approach when delivering my evaluation techniques and treatment approaches to future patients. Following graduation, I aim to work as a licensed physical therapy with general orthopedic patients and athletes in the triangle. I would like to positively contribute to a working environment with other passionate physical therapists and develop relationships with mentors that will help with growth as a new clinician. In addition to working on the clinical side, I want to push the field of physical therapy forward by increasing my organizational management knowledge and promoting advocacy for both clinicians and patients alike.

Career Plan

Prior Experiences

• Semi-Professional Ultimate Frisbee Player 2014-2020: Played in the AUDL for the New York Empire and Raleigh Flyers.
• College Football 2014-2016: Played WR for Western Connecticut State University
• December 2016 – Graduated BA economics from Western Connecticut State University
• Lumesis 2017 – Financial analyst analyzing municipal bonds
• Opened multiple small businesses 2017-2022: Real estate, ecommerce

Physical Therapy Education and Experiences

Anticipated Graduation August 2022: Doctor of Physical Therapy – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Clinical Affiliations:

• October-December 2020, 8 weeks: Outpatient Orthopedics – UNC Wayne Outpatient Physical Therapy, Goldsboro, NC
  • General musculoskeletal diagnoses and post-operative surgeries (rotator cuff, ACL, PCL, Total knee replacement, Total Hip Replacement, Menisectomy)
• March-April 2021, 8 weeks: Inpatient Rehabilitation – Wakemed Hospital Raleigh, NC
  • Stroke rehabilitation, lower extremity amputation, low back surgeries, cardiopulmonary conditions and aquatic therapy
• May-June 2021, 8 weeks: Acute Care – UNC medical center in Chapel Hill, NC
  • Primarily on the oncology and bone marrow transplant floor, also floated to post-operative elective orthopedic surgeries, cardiopulmonary, TBI and stroke rehabilitation
• April-May 2022, 4 weeks: Out patient Orthopedics Integrated Clinical Experience – UNC in Hillsborough, NC
  • General musculoskeletal diagnoses including chronic low back pain, general deconditioning, lateral ankle sprain, total knee replacement, cervicogenic headaches, rotator cuff, tennis elbow
• June-July 2022, 8 weeks: Outpatient Orthopedics – UNC Ambulatory Care Center in Chapel Hill, NC
  • Treated patients with general orthopedic diagnoses through out the life span with conditions in the hip, knee, ankle, spine and shoulder.  Other conditions treated were CRPS, TMD, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, post concussion, return to sport. Provided telehealth and aquatic therapy services.

Professional Development and Experiences:

• 2022 – Present: Member of American Physical Therapy Academy, North Carolina Physical Therapy Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy
• March 2020 – February 2021: Networking Committee member of UNC Student Physical Therapy Association
• Participated in a physical fitness assessment for Special Olympic athletes in the triangle
• PT evaluation at Urban Ministries of Durham
• Sideline medical volunteer for youth ultimate frisbee in North Carolina and beach national championships in Virginia
• Sports Physical Therapy and Advanced Orthopedic elective courses during my third year
• Teachers assistant demonstrating hands instruction of special tests, manual therapy, patient case decisions and content presentation

Future Goals

• Graduate from UNC with Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree August 2022
• Sit for the Physical Therapy licensure exam October 27, 2022
• Begin my career work in outpatient orthopedics in an environment that encourages clinical growth and development for physical therapists early in career
• Obtain OCS and aquatic certification within the first 3 years of practicing to expand knowledge base to provide improved quality of care for my patients
• Volunteer with the NCPTA to continue advancing advocacy in the areas of reimbursement, clinician burn out and patient care
• Pursue leadership opportunities with my employer

Self-Assessment

Strengths

• Communication
  • A combination of my general interest in others, welcoming demeanor and background working in economics has taught me about the importance and rejuvenation I feel when connecting with others.
• Empathetic
  • I have a soft spot for others who are experiencing physical and emotional pain. I chose to change careers because I believe a life of serving others is a life worth living. I strive to understand others so I can best address their needs.
• Innovative
  • I have started a handful of businesses during my 20s, I enjoy learning new things and stretching the boundaries of my comfort zone. In the clinic, I strive to keep up with research and fresh ideas to care best for my patients.
• Flexible
  • Learning adaptability has been a central theme of my life for the last decade. Changing careers and going to school during a pandemic has given me the strength and resilience to adapt to my future endeavors in physical therapy.

Areas for Professional Development

• Clinical Reasoning application: During my time at UNC DPT I gained great clinical reasoning skills for identifying patient diagnosis, evaluation and plan of care. Although, I would like to further increase my knowledge of how to best address all impairments identified. Experience is necessary in further honing this skill.
• Increase my knowledge base for interventions and applicable outcome measures: I have developed a good base of interventions and outcome measures, but I think it will be valuable to further expand my interventions/outcome measure options so I can address all areas of the entire patient according to the ICF model.
• Further skills of motivational interviewing: I have decent interviewing skills, but I would like to continue working on identifying things that will increase patient’s own self efficacy. I want to help patient’s identify where they are, where they want to be and how I can support them on that path.

Objectives

• Gain a strong background in treating patients from all backgrounds including my
• Graduate from UNC DPT and pass the NPTE to obtain PT licensure
• Find employment from an outpatient clinic in the triangle that will allow me to further my clinical skills and have mentorship opportunities to grow as a clinician early in my career
• Obtain OCS certification within the first 3 years of practicing as a clinician to allow for improved care for my patients

Specific Strategies for Success

• During my last rotation, pursue opportunities to further develop my evidence-based approach to patient treatment and evaluation
• Take PEAT exam in July 2022, stay consistent with NPTE study schedule and participate in “crash course” following graduation to prepare for licensure exam
• Continue to shadow mentors, clinicians and faculty to develop clinical skills

Sample of Work during DPT Curriculum

• Capstone: Burn out in Physical Therapy
  • Lecture presentation on the impact of burn out in physical therapy and how physical therapists and management can address the issue/start the conversation.
• Teacher-Scholar Lecture: Physical Therapy Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Presented to 1st year physical therapy students in MSK 1 as part of my Teacher Scholar experience
• Sports Elective Presentation: Return to sport for Ultimate Frisbee Athletes
  • Presented as final project in PHYT 874 Topic in Sports Elective

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

In the summer of 2020, I viewed the online presentation of the APTA’s Dr. Lynda Woodruff Lecture series. Dr. Woodruff was a black physical therapist who was a leader and champion for expanding diversity in physical therapy school admission and clinical practice. The lecture series outlined a number of diversity issues in the field of physical therapy today, at the forefront was the underrepresentation of black physical therapists in both physical therapy admissions and clinical practice. The current representation of black physical therapists is significantly below the number of black Americans in the United States. Panelists presented research that highlighted healthcare inequities that black Americans experience in the healthcare system, especially in rehabilitation. It was inspiring to hear from the leaders in our field who are pushing forward initiatives to increase access to care and physical therapy school admission for black Americans. Near the end of the presentation, panelists suggested areas to focus on for change; education on the issue, education on the history of inequality, understanding individual biases, creating pipelines for increasing diversity and having hard conversations with those who are different than oneself.

As a white American, who has received countless benefits and privileges from my skin color, I learned much from the suggestions from the panelists. One of the first things I wanted to do was educate myself more on the history of systemic racism in the United States. A book called “The Color of Law” was highly recommended by panelists in this event. I learned from this book that black Americans have a deep history of social economic inequities that stem from injustices. One of these injustices was the restriction of home ownership in the 1900s. A mixture of deliberate and intentional laws were created to restrict housing ownership to white Americans. From a financial perspective, owning a piece of property in the United States is one of the best passive ways to develop generational wealth. Without knowing it many white Americans, including my family, have indirectly and directly benefitted financially from laws that segregated home ownership. Coming to understand this financial inequity from a theoretical framework has been beneficial for me in cementing my desire to support further initiatives to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in the both the profession of physical therapy and access to services.

Reflective Statement

Four years ago, I took a big risk to change careers and move to North Carolina. At times it has been difficult to make these changes and uproot my old life, but I cannot be happier that I made the decision. I am proud to say that in a short time period I will be a graduate of the University of North Carolina DPT program. Carolina has challenged me to be a clinician who is equipped to keep up with current research, treat the whole patient, be inquisitive, advocate for others and strive to always have a patient centered mindset. I cannot begin to thank the faculty and staff who have helped me get through these 3 years and mold me into the clinician I am today.

From the first day I started class with my classmates and faculty, I knew that my career outlook was going to be very different. I wanted to work with other people who were striving to make a change in the lives of others and I have found that with this phenomenal group of people. The didactic courses at Carolina have provided me the skills to be a well rounded physical therapist that can treat patients with many different evaluation and treatment strategies. I feel incredibly blessed to have had a well rounded clinical experience, with excellent clinical instructors that have prepared me to treat patients with many conditions and walks of life. I have learned through this experience that I gain an immense amount of satisfaction in treating patients and helping them toward their goals. During these 3 years, I have learned to overcome challenges, celebrate the victories in life and truly embrace the process of growth. Following UNC DPT, I cannot wait to continue learning, growing and developing to be the best person and physical therapist I can be.

• Professional Goal Statement: My goal as a physical therapist is to use an embodied, trauma informed philosophy to support my patients from inside-out to achieve their athletic and exercise goals.
• Career Plan:
  • 2021: Graduate, and obtain licensure in NC and Hawaii; begin practice in Hawaii as a traveling therapist.
  • 2022: Complete VM3 and obtain a Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach certification, and the AFPA’s Pre-Natal and Post-Natal fitness specialist certification.
  • 2023: Obtain Level I-II dry needling, VM4, and Herman & Wallace’s Level II.
  • 2024: Initiate movement and injury prevention clinics by partnering with local dance studios. Obtain Kettle Strong First certification.
  • 2025: Begin PDTR training.
• Self-Assessment
  • Strengths: Excellent communication skills, compassionate, out-of-the-box thinking, ethical, integrative, up-to-date evidence-based
  • Areas for Professional Development: Special skills of sports rehab, delegation of responsibilities, and improve participation in APTA and state professional organizations.
• Objectives
  • Pass 2021 Boards
  • Obtain Licensure in Hawaii and NC in 2021
  • Obtain a traveling therapist position in Hawaii in 2021
  • Pay off 50% of my student debt in 4 years.
  • Found a “community-therapy” fund to support patients with financial difficulties.
• Specific Strategies
  • Dedicate 1-2 hours daily studying
  • Complete all licensure paperwork prior to July 1st.
  • Become an active member of the APTA and the Hawaii-PAC.
  • Select a physical therapy practice that supports my integrative approach.
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • 2020 was a year of metamorphosis, highlighting the shadows of inequality that are still cast across much of America. As a physical therapist, and a medical provider, these inequalities become real in front of us as we deliver care; some patients have reduced access, literacy, and carry with them embodied trauma from daily experiences of racism, sexism, and ableism. We have the opportunity to face these traumas with wisdom and compassion, holding space for healing with healthy movement that addresses the whole person. On a larger scale, this looks like dedicating aside part of my income for organizations that fight for equality and equity, as well as using my skills in under-served communities and advocating for patient empowerment in healthcare.
• At least 2 product examples from the program related to the student’s goal and objectives
  • Up-to-date Evidence Based:
    • Blood Flow Restriction Capstone:
    • Applying Neurological Principles of ACL repairs to lateral ankle sprains: Final Advanced Ortho Paper
  • Integrative: Certifications in VMI-VMII and Herman&Wallace Level I
• Reflective statement and assessment of progress toward goal.
  • I came into physical therapy school with the hierarchical perspective that I could use my hands to facilitate the healing of another. As I’ve progressed through school, I’ve realized that my role as a physical therapist is to empower my patients through education and re-educate movement patterns that reinforce their pain and dysfunction; I may facilitate their healing, but it is not my ego or my presence doing the work. While PTs play an obvious and important role in recovery, it has become more and more important to me that the patient be empowered and buy into seeing movement as medicine to be integrated into their everyday. This starts with working from the inside out, from the pelvic floor and adequate mobility of the organs, to the strengthening of the extremities and promoting healthy thought patterns. As my own athletic and power training has progressed, from participating in acrobatics to endurance running and power lifting, I’ve realized that everyone is an athlete, and that every goal can be an athletic goal, from increasing sit to stand transfers to triathlons. The only limitation is our time and our dedication. My role then, is to be come the kind of coach that can lay the foundation for motivation to do the work, and to support my patients in meeting their goals.

Professional Goal Statement

In my mind, physical therapy is both a science and an art, a practice in which patient and practitioner work together to optimize physical functioning and quality of life. My desire to pursue this degree stems from extensive personal experience as a patient of physical therapy and has taken me on a journey of epic proportions. When I began this program, I felt destined to practice in pediatrics. That changed after I completed a clinical rotation in pelvic health. Though my professional goals are numerous, each focuses on providing optimal patient-centered care in a manner that addresses the whole person and is consistent with the best available evidence. While pelvic health is my passion, I hope to complete this program with a clinical skillset that will allow me to provide a wide range of patients with optimal care.

 Career Plan 

1-5 Years:

• Graduate from the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at UNC Chapel Hill;
• Sit for licensure to practice in the State of North Carolina;
• Seek and obtain employment in an outpatient clinic that either a) has an established pelvic health practice or b) will allow me to establish a pelvic health practice;
• Establish mentorship as a condition of hire;
• Complete Pelvic Floor 2 A & B through Herman and Wallace to improve pelvic health clinical skills;
• Complete Pediatric Pelvic Floor through Herman and Wallace and begin treating pediatric patients;
• Sit for and obtain Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC);
• Obtain certification with the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists;
• Become dry needle certified;

5-10 Years:

• Seek additional roles and responsibilities within the clinic, such as clinic director;
• Seek opportunities for research and publication, specifically within pelvic health and orthopedics;
• Seek opportunities for teaching, be it in the university setting or with pelvic health groups such as Herman and Wallace.

Ongoing:

• Establish regular journal club with coworkers to ensure that evidence-based practice is being implemented in daily practice;
• Develop language skills, including (but not limited to) Spanish, American Sign Language, Bulgarian, and Irish Gaelic;
• Seek continuing education opportunities to maximize patient care.

Relevant Efforts and Experiences to Date:

Continuing Education and Additional Training

• Pelvic Floor 1: Herman and Wallace, October 2017 in Bel Air, Maryland
• NCPTA Fall Conference: October 2017, Winston Salem, NC

Leadership Experiences and Community Involvement:

• 2016-2017: Fundraising Chair, Student Physical Therapy Association
• 2015-2017: Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC) volunteer
• 2015-2018: “Exercise Buddy” working with adults and children alike to provide therapeutic interventions in the community
• 2018: PT Proud Education Task Force

Clinical Rotations:

• June 2016: (Outpatient) UNC Physical Therapy, Hillsborough, NC
• March 2017: (Pelvic Health/Outpatient) Perfect Balance Physical Therapy, Brevard NC
• June 2018, 8 weeks: (Acute Care) UNC Rockingham, Eden NC
• September 2018, 12 weeks: (Neuro) Alamance Burlington School Systems

Elective courses:

• PHYT 875: Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Treatment- Fall 2017
• PHYT 885: Advanced Neuromuscular Intervention – Spring 2018
• PHYT 800: Independent Study- Fall 2017/Spring 2018

In-Service Presentations:

• April 20, 2017: Lumbar Radiofrequency Rhizotomy and Sacroiliac Joint Pain. Presented at Perfect Balance Physical Therapy, Brevard NC
• August 21^st, 2018: Trigger Point Dry Needling; presented at UNC Rockingham, Eden NC

Capstone and Additional Academic Products

• Physical Therapy for Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain A Community Education Endeavor
  • My capstone project was completed in conjunction with Planned Parenthood in Greensboro, NC. The purpose of this project was to create educational materials that could be utilized by Planned Parenthood for the purposes of educating individuals on pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain and physical therapy intervention with the goal of promoting prompt recognition of symptoms and intervention. The project and all associated products, including a critically appraised topic, evidence tables, and educational brochure can be found at the website linked above.

• NC AW-SOME: North Carolina’s African American Women Stopping Obesity through Education and Movement
  • As part of UNC’s Health and Wellness course, I was tasked with developing a health promotion program for a specific population. This paper is the culmination of a semester’s worth of work and research focused on understanding the intricacies of community based interventions.

• S.K.I.P: Supporting Kids in Play
  • As part of our Practice Management course, I created a business plan for a non-profit organization aimed at injury prevention in school-aged children with a fellow classmate, Jennell McIntosh. The business plan linked above represents the culmination of a semester’s worth of work and research investigating business design and implementation.

Self-Assessment

Objectives:

• Graduate from the UNC DPT program;
• Pass licensure examination;
• Gain full time employment in an outpatient clinic that has, or will allow me to establish, a pelvic health practice;
• Become a Pelvic Health Rehabilitation Certified practitioner;
• Become dry needle certified;
• Take on a leadership role within the NCPTA and continue involvement with PT Proud.

Specific Strategies to Achieve Goals and Objectives:  

• Continue with a study strategy that will leave me prepared to sit for licensure in January 2019. This includes studying for 2 hours each weekday, 3 hours each day during the weekend, and utilizing study review books and practice examinations;
• Continue to maintain communication and foster professional relationships with former clinical instructors, current clinicians, and other community figures;
• Continue work with the PT Proud Education Task Force to increase community involvement and outreach while increasing and expanding my involvement with the NCPTA and other advocacy groups;
• Continue study of additional languages mentioned above;
• Enroll in additional pelvic health courses through Herman and Wallace to expand and improve clinical skillset.

Reflective Statement:  

Though not without its challenges, the previous three years have afforded me the opportunity for tremendous growth. I have been challenged to a greater degree than I could ever imagine, and this makes coming to the end of this program all the more worthwhile. Faculty, staff, and fellow classmates have enriched my experience beyond measure, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to learn from them. I entered this program deadest on practicing solely in pediatrics and, in my time with UNC’s DPT program, found a new passion for pelvic health. This newfound passion created a new path for me as a future clinician, and though I have no idea what the future holds, I now have the confidence to overcome any obstacle I may face. My own professional goals are numerous, and I know that, with time, I will achieve each and every one of them.

In one of my entrance essays for this program, I wrote about my own physical therapist who graduated from the UNC PT program in 1990. In the essay, I touched on the fact that the qualities that make her an outstanding clinician cannot be taught in a classroom; rather, these qualities must be recognized and nurtured through a mirage on interactions and experiences. The faculty may have changed, but I am fortunate enough to have spent the last three years immersed in the same nurturing environment that laid the foundation for my therapist’s outstanding clinical and interpersonal skills. With the continued support of all the friends I have made along the way, I know that I, too, am destined to do great things.

Anatomy Dissection Group- Fall 2015

Pelvic Health Rotation- Spring 2017

Pelvic Floor 1: Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute

Professional Goal Statement:

Upon graduation my goal is to earn a position within an outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine practice, and my overall ambition is to one-day become a well-respected leader among sports medicine rehabilitative therapists in quality care sports medicine services to athletes and other individuals with musculoskeletal associated injuries.  In order to meet the comprehensive needs of my patient’s, and to provide optimal physical therapy care to athletes of all levels, I plan to further improve my knowledge and skills in the practice of orthopedic and sports rehabilitation by advancing my skills in the application of evidenced based practice; achieving board certification as an orthopedic clinical specialist, a corrective exercise specialist under the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and a certified strength and conditioning specialist; and by fulfilling continuing education courses that will help broaden my skill-set to meet the diverse needs of my patient’s and to optimize their return to work or sport.

Career Plan:

Past History:

• 2011
  • Accepted to The Ohio State University (OSU) Athletic Training Program
  • Summer 2011: Athletic Training Clinical Rotation with OSU Football and Ohio Dominican Football
  • Autumn 2011: Athletic Training Clinical Rotation with OSU Men and Women’s Gymnastics
• 2012

• • Winter 2012: Athletic Training Clinical Rotation with OSU Football
  • Spring 2012: Athletic Training Clinical Rotation with OSU Men’s Lacrosse
  • Earned the position of a research assistant in the OSU Movement Analysis and Performance (MAP) Program
  • Served as a research assistant for the National Institute of Health sponsored project: Functional Evaluation to Predict Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury
  • Internship with Grace Physical Therapy in Fredericksburg, VA
  • Became a member of the National Athletic Trainer’s Association and the Virginia Athletic Trainer’s Association
• 2013:
  • Autumn 2012: Athletic Training Clinical Rotation with OSU Women’s Ice Hockey
  • Spring 2013: Athletic Training Clinical Rotation with Ohio Therapy Institute
  • Served as a research assistant for the National Institute of Health sponsored project: Functional Evaluation to Predict Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury
• 2014:
  • Autumn 2013: Athletic Training Clinical Rotation with Dublin Jerome High School
  • Spring 2014: Athletic Training Clinical Rotation with OSU Sports Medicine and Dublin Jerome High School
  • Served as a research assistant for the National Institute of Health sponsored project: Functional Evaluation to Predict Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury
  • Admitted to the UNC Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program
  • Passed the BOC Exam for Athletic Training and became a licensed ATC in North Carolina
  • Completed the coursework making me eligible for the Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification Exam under the National Academy of Sports Medicine
  • Graduated from The Ohio State University Bachelors in Arts and Sciences in Athletic Training from The Ohio State University
  • First Aider for Gatorade Summer Athletic Camps at The Ohio State University
  • Switched membership from the Virginia Athletic Trainer’s Association to the North Carolina Athletic Trainers Association
  • Joined the APTA and the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association

• 2015
  • Acute Care Physical Therapy Clinical Rotation with UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC
  • Completed the necessary continuing education courses and renewed my ATC license in the state of North Carolina
• 2016:
  • 8 week Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinical Rotation with UNC Hospital at the Meadowmont Wellness Center in Chapel Hill, NC
  • 8 week Inpatient Neuro Physical Therapy Clinical Rotation with HealthSouth in Columbia, SC

Current Goals

• 2017:
  • Complete my final 12 week Sports Medicine Physical Therapy Clinical Rotation at Loudoun Sports Therapy Center in Sterling, VA
  • Study for boards, and send out resumes to potential employers
  • Pass the Alabama Board Exam, and obtain a Physical Therapy Licensure in the state of Alabama
  • Secure full-time employment opportunity in an Outpatient Orthopedic/Sports Physical Therapy Clinic
• 2018-2019:
  • Become an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
• 2019-2020:
  • Obtain a Certification in Strength and Conditioning through the National Strength and Conditioning Association
• 2020-2021:
  • Become an
• Ongoing: throughout my career I will pursue continuing education courses that will benefit my practice as an orthopedic physical therapist (i.e. Hospital for Special Surgeries Sports Medicine Symposiums, dry needling, etc); I will attend national and local physical therapy conferences to be an active member in the PT community, to further my knowledge on the physical and mental treatment of orthopedic injuries, and to expand my professional network; and I will strive for professional development.

Self-Assessment:

• Strengths:
  • Significant Sports Medicine experience with high school, collegiate, and professional level athletes
  • Diverse clinical experiences regarding setting and patient diagnoses. Physical Therapy Clinical experiences include: acute care patients in a large level 1 trauma center, outpatient orthopedic clinic, and an inpatient rehabilitation hospital that specializes in the treatment of neurological conditions ranging from CVAs, spinal cord injuries, Gillian-barre, Parkinson’s, lupus, and etcetera.
  • Research experience focusing on LE biomechanics and injury prevention
  • Strong professional and interpersonal skills, including: goal-oriented, strong and consistent work ethic, dependable, excellent time management and organizational skills, effective and efficient communicator, empathetic and encouraging, and overall a well-rounded team player
  • Excellent safety awareness. I strive to establish and maintain a safe working environment, ensuring the safety of myself, patient, and others throughout my clinical interactions.
  • Excellent clinical reasoning skills
  • Background education from a top-rated PT program.
• Areas for Professional Development:
  • Improved knowledge and understanding of insurance, billing, coding, and administration
  • Wider use of various types of modalities
  • Better understanding of statistics to effectively and efficiently perform literature reviews
  • Expanding my professional network, and seeking out mentorship for further development of clinical skills

Areas of Special Interest:

• Sports medicine rehabilitation
• Out-patient orthopedic rehabilitation for the general population
• UE rehabilitation in athletes

Objectives:

1. Complete doctoral degree in physical therapy at the University of North Carolina, and pass the Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy examination in October of 2017
2. Attain a position in an outpatient orthopedic/sports rehabilitation center in the greater Birmingham area that specializes in the treatment of the athletic population
3. Further develop orthopedic and manual therapy skills needed to take the Orthopedic Specialization Exam within 2 years of graduation
4. Complete continuing education courses on UE injuries in athletes

Strategies for Developmental Needs and Interests:

• Continue to reflect upon and self-assess my strengths and weaknesses to facilitate my growth and learning as a young professional in orthopedic/sports based physical therapy.
• Identify and meet any and all requirements for physical therapy certification in Alabama
• Attend continuing education courses/conferences regarding evidence-based practice and the appraisal of articles
• Build a network of healthcare providers when attending continuing education courses
• Gather material needed for further certifications, and develop an organized study schedule to ensure I cover all materials prior to the examinations

Electives:

• Fall 2016:
  • PHYT 875 – Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Intervention
• Spring 2016:
  • PHYT 870 – INTEGRATED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:
  • PHYT 800 – INDEPENDENT STUDY (Teacher Assistant for the Musculoskeletal I Course of the UNC DPT Program)

Product Examples:

Samples of my work from the curriculum include:

1. Doctoral Capstone Project on the Baseball Pitcher’s Elbow, which may be viewed at https://dptcapstone.web.unc.edu/category/current-students-spring-of-2017/entry-level-students-current-students-spring-of-2017/kozar-lauren/
2. A Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) that assessed the effects of two different UCL reconstruction techniques (the Docking Procedure and Tommy John Surgery) on the pitching performance statistics of 27 year old Major League Baseball Pitchers. This assignment, which served as the starting point for my capstone project, provided me with knowledge and skills needed to properly conduct a literature search and to effectively and efficiently appraise studies.  The CAT also provided me insight regarding UCL reconstruction outcomes in professional baseball pitchers, while helping to identify gaps in current literature regarding UCL reconstruction outcomes.
3.  Advanced Orthopedic Paper on the diagnosis and treatment of SLAP tears in elite baseball pitchers

Other Professional Activities:

• Member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the APTA Sports Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Sections
• Member of the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association (NCPTA)
• Member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and the North Carolina Athletic Trainers Association (NCATA)
• Achieved 120+ hours of Integrated Clinical Experience in Spring 2017 in an outpatient facility
• Earned a position as a Teacher’s Assistant for the Musculoskeletal I Course for the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in Spring 2017
• Defended legislation at the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association Legislative Day on April 11, 2017 in Raleigh, NC.
• Attended the 10^th Annual Hospital for Special Surgery’s Sports Medicine Symposium
• Published an assessment of the Foot and Ankle Disability Index on the Rehab Measures Database
• Presented physical therapy clinical in-services on Lis-Franc Fractures and Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries
• Physical Therapy Journal Club Member
• Attended the NEXT Conference and Exposition 2015 in National Harbor, Maryland
• Earned membership in the University of North Carolina Honor Society
• First Aider for Gatorade Summer Athletic Camps at The Ohio State University
• Research assistant for the National Institute of Health sponsored project: Functional Evaluation to Predict Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury
• Research assistant in the OSU Movement Analysis and Performance (MAP) Program
• Ohio State University Athletic Training Quiz Bowl Team Captain

Self-Reflection:

Each day that we draw closer and closer to graduation from the University of North Carolina’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy (UNC DPT) Program and the beginning of a new chapter in all of our lives, I realize how lucky I am to have been a member of the prestigious UNC DPT program and the close knit family we have molded over the past 3 years. Although graduate school was trying at times, our amazing friendships have helped all of us overcome obstacles and excel in school and the PT profession.  We also owe a significant amount of gratitude to the devoted UNC professors, who spend countless hours outside of the classroom helping to enhance our clinical skills and professional development.  Thank you so much for providing us with a top-notch education, and for developing unique and creative opportunities to challenge our critical thinking skills.  I am also grateful for the emphasis that the UNC program placed on the importance of evidenced based practice.  The foundational skills that they have helped me to foster will be an extremely important asset for my commitment to life-long learning and evidenced based care. I would also like to say a special thank you to my amazing family and fiancé, who have provided me with immeasurable love and support throughout this journey.  From a young age, my family instilled in me the values of tenacity, accountability, compassion, integrity, excellence, and professionalism.  Throughout my Athletic Training and Physical Therapy educations, I have continued to enhance these skills, and I am beyond eager to implement them in the treatment of orthopedic rehabilitation and the advancement of the physical therapy profession following graduation in August 2017!

Professional History & Goals

1996 and prior – ATC/LAT, yoga and yoga therapy education

1996-1998 – MPT from UNC

1998-2003 – Outpatient orthopaedic, inpatient general, sports medicine, home health, women’s health, and both insurance-based and cash-based practice

2000 – Founded Professional Yoga Therapy Institute (PYTI) and began writing and teaching approved CE for yoga in rehabilitation (interdisciplinary)

2003 to present – Executive Director, PYTI; Owner and Therapist, Crystal Coast Integrative Medicine & Physical Therapy – Cash-based private practice – chronic pain with emphasis in orthopaedics and women’s health; Lecturer/Educator/Course Developer – Multiple CE organizations and universities worldwide

2013-2016 – tDPT from UNC

2013-2016 – writing my first book on yoga in rehabilitation

Teaching at MISTY in Montreal, Canada earlier in 2016

I have been a practicing physical therapist since 1998 and athletic trainer since 1995, with my greatest emphasis on chronic pain management for women using complementary and integrative medicine blended with physical therapy. From 2005, I have also been a mother. This means I have both seen and experienced the inequities that exist against women in the workplace – in both healthcare and corporate sectors.

I have also spent the last 18 years in proximity to two of the biggest military bases in the world. Interestingly, mothers and veterans present with some of the same problems, physically and socially. They are isolated, oftentimes the product of fractured care, and have similar issues with chronic pain, oftentimes including PTSD, trauma, and sleep problems. This was the original impetus which drove me to write CE, practice creatively as a therapist, and ultimately, pursue my tDPT back at my “home base” of UNC.

A quote from one of my students in the PYTI program.

My professional goals for the tDPT program were (and still are) to support the profession and APTA’s vision statement by earning the DPT, expand my knowledge in areas of advocacy for access to PT, troubleshoot ways to better serve the public and the profession through collaboration and development of interprofessional dialogue and education, and to pursue research and public health promotion in the use of yoga in healthcare. Quite honestly, starting out I was not sure how I was going to do that while also having just signed a contract to write my first book in addition to maintaining the helm and direction of my own work, coupled with the work/life demands of raising a family with three boys ages 7 and under.

My history in PT practice has led to my persistent work in the use of yoga, founding Professional Yoga Therapy Institute, and now publishing my first textbook on medical yoga methodology this summer, Medical Therapeutic Yoga, which I wrote during my work here at UNC toward my tDPT. My professional goals remain constant as I hope to continue my work in yoga clinical work with research and teaching here at UNC. Some of the projects I am currently working on and will continue to work on in the future include:

• Applying for a grant and leadership fellowship in the Clinical Scholars Program with Karen McCulloch and colleagues here at UNC through the Robert Wood Foundation to address suicide in the military through yoga as an antidote.
• Continuing to work toward researching mTBI and PTSD and the systems-based effects of medical yoga methodology with Karen McCulloch, UNC, and the US military.
• Hopefully joining the faculty at UNC to assist with teaching coursework in the DPT program.
• Plans to formally expand the PYTI program for study of medical therapeutic yoga into Australia, Ireland, United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, Vietnam, and Canada. Plans are already underway for expansions in each country, which is a lifetime dream realized.
• Publication of my first textbook in June/July 2016 through Handspring Pub, Ltd., Scotland.
• Working toward having my book translated into Chinese.
• Shooting companion videos as part of the multi-media interactivity of the book.
• Write a new 16-hour post-operative rehabilitation course on hip labral and femoracetabular repair, due to launch February 2017 in Pittsburgh, PA.
• Travel to Australia to teach medical therapeutic yoga to PT’s – May, 2017
• Travel to China to teach perinatal medical therapeutic yoga to PT’s in a fledgling PT industry – TBD
• 

  Speaking at the Montreal Symposium on Therapeutic Yoga, March 2016. Pictured with my assistant, Naomi, at our PYTI table. Photo courtesy of Michael Green Photography.

  Travel to Vietnam to teach pediatric-oriented medical therapeutic yoga for addressing children’s needs with autism spectrum disorder – TBD (humanitarian aide trip)

• Travel to Canada to teach medical therapeutic yoga to interprofessional health care professionals Fall, 2017; for yoga professionals October, 2017
• Travel to UK and Ireland to teach medical therapeutic yoga Fall, 2017.
• Finish and submit a paper for publication on Diastasis Rectus Abdominis: A Narrative Review.
• Submit proposals to speak at World Congress (PT) 2017 in South Africa, and NATA (athletic training annual meeting) and CSM for 2018.
• Continue to work toward formalizing an organization to recognize interprofessional’s right to use medical use of yoga in healthcare within their scope of practice.
• Continue to work with lay yoga organizations to teach proper scope of practice and referral to PT for yoga injury prevention and education (YogaMate, Yoga University, Yoga Alliance Registry, International Assocation of Yoga Therapists).
• Continue teaching for Herman and Wallace Rehabilitation Institute, MedBridge, and Allied Health Education.
• 

  My (almost ready) book cover top choice (after 6 tries with 4 different artists).

  Expand medical therapeutic yoga education to offer seminar series through PYTI in clinical specialties ranging from neurology to chronic pain to pediatrics.

• Continue consulting with, and teaching at, universities in Canada and the US to include medical therapeutic yoga methodology in EB practice and Health Promotion coursework.
• Grow my work in policy advocacy at the state (NCPTA) and national (APTA) level for use of CIM (complementary and integrative medicine) in the PT scope of practice.
• Continue blogging (www.gingergarner.com) to increase awareness about CIM in PT scope of practice and for patient advocacy for improving access to PT services

tDPT at UNC

In hindsight, I feel quite privileged to have been able to pen my first book while completing my tDPT at UNC. The timing was exactly as it was supposed to be. My work on the tDPT has enriched both my clinical and writing work, without a doubt, and I hope to remain close to UNC and academics through continuing my work in education and research. My book will be published in June/July of this year, and represents the largest body of my work completed while at UNC.  The book is representative of many courses I took in the tDPT program, including advanced practice (I and II), the summer education class, and the health and wellness course, for starters. One of the notable papers I completed for the advanced practice course was GGarner Vestibular_Case_Study+Algorithm. My book website will be launched soon, www.medicaltherapeuticyoga.com, and news of its release can be found at www.facebook.com/medicaltherapeuticyoga. My capstone also represents some of my work done here at UNC as well, Facilitating Health Promotion in Physical Therapy Using Yoga. Additionally, there is my instructional design project on executive functioning in autism, found below.

Reflections

Having fun with the spine at the photo shoot for my book.

All of the coursework I completed as a part of my tDPT work at UNC was beneficial, however I think the most important class was Nancy Garland’s Professional Issues course. Without action on our part to secure the future of physical therapy through policy and legislative efforts, there would be no use for, or avenue to use, clinical or evidence-based practice. Second, the flexibility of UNC to allow me to pursue coursework outside of the given electives was also a gift, and very valuable in my professional development. While I spent a good 5 years studying instructional design with a PhD mentor from Duke University, the semester’s work I did at ECU in Instructional Design with Dr. Patricia Slagter van Tryon was immeasurably valuable. My final project, Development of an Operational Executive Functioning Skillset in 4th Grade Children, pushed me beyond my comfort zone by allowing me to creatively delve into a completely different substrate of my work as a physical therapist and educator.

Teaching yoga in rehab at AT Still University during my time at UNC. We are demonstrating partnership theory relationship through shoulder-to-shoulder “ganesha mudra.”

A beach break while teaching yoga as medicine for health care pros in Emerald Isle, NC

The program has also provided me with enormous collaborative potential, leading to outside research and community activism with Karen McCulloch, work on my book with Dr. Stephen Porges in the psychology department, and making connections in military populations that will allow for improving delivery of healthcare services through yoga for a long time to come. As a lifelong learner, my education does not end with my tDPT. Thousands of hours logged in writing and teaching continuing education, blogging, advocacy work, not to mention my book, definitely increase my passion for learning and continuing to teach. My oldest son, who is 10 years old, asked me the other day, “Mom, are you still going to get that PhD too?,” to which he followed with, “I don’t know if you need two doctorates Mom.,” with a smirk. I shot back with a laugh, “You are right Michael, but just because I’m no longer in school, it doesn’t mean Dr. Mom won’t keep on learning for the rest of my life.” “Yes, he said, you are right.” Hearing my son respond in the affirmative about lifelong learning, especially my child with autism, who struggles with learning disabilities and self-confidence, was the greatest gift this tDPT program could have given me. Thank you.

Family photo captured during the mid-range of my time at UNC

A big thank you goes to Kmac and my family (what troopers they are to handle my annual teaching schedule, writing requirements, and school demands) – who also well handled and accommodated by need to extend my attendance in the program for a full year – after I had to undergo an unexpected hip reconstruction and my oldest son’s diagnoses with autism spectrum disorder. I could not have done it without faith and hope in you and in the Greater Good that lies beyond the stars.

Professional Goal Statement

My goal is to begin my career as a Physical Therapist in an in-patient or out-patient rehabilitation setting within NC, where exercise will be a key component of treatment.  I will utilize evidence-based practice to provide skilled quality care, while practicing the clinical and ethical standards endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association and North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

Career Plan

-BA Economics 1991, Brandeis University

-Junior Year Abroad, London School of Economics

-MA International Economics & Finance 1992, Brandeis University

-Graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy-August 1015.

-Pass DPT licensure exam October 2015.

-Obtain primary employment in NC, within a large team setting- Fall/Winter 2015

-Develop avenues to combine my DPT training and CSCS certification

-Become OCS or GCS certified 2020

-Retire 2039

Self-Assessment

Strengths

-Extensive experience working with wide spectrum of ages in various fitness settings

-Experience in management and personal training in a wellness facility

-Experience teaching and coaching children

-Multi-setting financial experience

Areas for Development

-Successfully obtain DPT

-More clinical experience

-Secure employment

-Pursuit of continuing education relevant to my practice setting

Objectives

-Complete DPT degree in 2015, upon successfully completing remaining courses

– Pass PT licensure exam in NC in October, 2015

– Obtain employment in NC

– Complete continuing education courses related to my desired area of board certification

– Pass board certification exam in desired area

-Pursue opportunities in fitness/coaching that utilize my DPT and CSCS

Electives

Integrated Clinical Experience-Fall 2014 and Independent Orthopedic Elective- Spring 2015

Product Examples

When considering potential capstone ideas, I knew that  I wanted the topic to be exercise-related, but initially bounced around a bit with ideas. When I finally settled on a topic with the help of some faculty members, I realized that my choice was a capstone project that incorporated my interests and research from my cumulative experience at UNC. My capstone culminated in a presentation on functional exercises to a group of older adults at a senior center.  Here is a link to the brochure that I put together for that presentation Functional Exercise Brochure-Samuelson.

My most memorable experience in physical therapy school was during my first clinical rotation in an outpatient orthopedic setting at a rural hospital. I had the opportunity to witness a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.  My vantage point was about 4-5 feet from the operating table and in direct communication with the surgeon, who peppered me with questions as well as explained the procedure.  I used this opportunity to put together a case study for my MSK II class, with actual x-rays from before and after the surgery. Here is a link to the power point I put together and presented to my classmates REVERSE TSA-Samuelson.

Reflective Statement

In my early thirties I pursued a personal training certification to fulfill my desire to transition from a finance career to one in exercise/fitness.  Although I had thought about going back to physical therapy school before I got married, my transition out of finance occurred during a time when pursuit of formal education was not possible due to family obligations.  However, my new career in fitness provided an avenue to employ exercise strategies to further the fitness goals of clients of various ages.

As I progressed in the fitness field I often consulted with physical therapists when dealing with clients who had suffered from various musculoskeletal injuries or medical conditions.  Although, I had earned national fitness/strength certifications I still felt that it was important to eventually experience the formal education that was necessary to bridge the gaps in my knowledge. While I knew that consulting with other medical/health professionals would always be an integral part of my professional practice I wanted to have the training to be able to research and answer questions on my own.

Physical therapy school has been an incredible challenge for me in terms of completing school while balancing my family commitments, and experiencing coursework so different from what I experienced as an undergraduate and graduate student in international economics and finance.  However, I feel that I have succeeded in filling those “gaps.”   I can now look back with a much greater understanding of the challenges my clients faced.  While as a fitness trainer I might have thought more in terms of muscle and bone, I now think about the contributions of the nervous system as well as the vestibular system with respect to movement.  I now realize that some of my own injuries that I had attributed to muscular issues were in part actually nerve-related. My education on the structures that comprise the shoulder and spine allow me much more insight than I previously experienced.  An equally important achievement for me, aside from a much more in depth knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics, is the development of communication skills.  My time at UNC has instilled in me the importance of communication skills beyond speaking clearly and with proper grammar.  Effective communication also involves being able to tailor your message and education appropriately to a given patient, client and audience.

However, there is more work for me in terms of my education.  Learning is an ongoing process.  Education is not just realizing what you know, but recognizing what you don’t know.  I look forward to my new career and the continuation of my education moving forward.