DPT Portfolios

Profession Goal Statement

My goal is to practice with in a rehabilitation setting serving a large population of patients with neurological deficits and highly-involved orthopedic issues.  I would like to work in a practice in which therapists are treating patients as part of a interdisciplinary team that promotes patient-centered care along with current evidence-based practices to provide the most effective and proficient care possible.  I also hope to integrate my educational background in science and research into practice as a physical therapist by being involved in research studies that aim to explore and expand upon neurological conditions and clinical interventions.

Career Plan

2013-2014

• Involvement in faculty research project geared towards a neurological population
• Focus research to become applicable for capstone project
• Completion of DPT coursework and degree
• Sit for National PT Licensure Exam

2014

• Begin clinical practice in inpatient setting with availability for involvement in research and clinical trials
• Explore areas in which further education/specialization is desired

2015

• Begin continuing education courses with a focus on treatments and therapies for neurological rehabilitation
• Begin focusing practice towards gaining requirements for specialty certification
• Pursue involvement in clinical research trails applicable to current patient population

2017-2018

• Obtain specialty certification in neurological field
• Be contributing author to journal article on research involvement

Self-Assessment

Strengths

• Prior experience in research, grant writing, and journal publications
• Strong understanding of discerning quality evidence/research and efficiency in navigating journal article databases
• Effective communication skills
• Drive to continue professional development via specialization certificates and continuing education

Areas for professional development

• Need to gain more knowledge on current evidence-based intervention strategies for neurological patients
• Need to gain more experience evaluating, assessing, and treating highly-involved neurological patients
• Need to gain more knowledge on choosing appropriate DME for highly-involved patients and reimbursement/funding for DME

Research 

During my third year in the DPT program I completed a research elective under the advisement of Mike Lewek exploring the biomechanics of trips that occur during ambulation in post-stroke individuals.  I had the opportunity to present the preliminary findings of my research at the Human Movement Science Research Symposium at UNC.  I also incorporated the research I performed into my capstone project and completed a manuscript that is currently being prepared for submission to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Reflective Statement

The question I have been asked most often over the past three years is “How to you go from pursuing a career in marine biology to wanting to become a physical therapist?”  Although the answers I have given to this question have been varied, the decision I made to become a PT has been consistently reinforced throughout my time at UNC.  The opportunities I have been given to explore and immerse myself in the multifaceted elements that compose profession of physical therapy have been boundless.  From nervously deciphering the nerves of the brachial plexus in anatomy lab to practicing aquatic therapy in Guatemala, I have learned an invaluable amount of information about the human body, the human psyche, and most importantly, about myself.  Every class and clinical experience has left me with a desire to know more and drive to experience more.  My journey to become a physical therapist is, in a way, just beginning, and I am very excited to see what the road ahead will bring.

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