DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement

My goal is to work in an under-served community, providing evidence based physical therapy to the pediatric population. I plan to use my physical therapy knowledge and skills to provide treatment abroad through both short and long term commitments. I plan is to bring health care to unreached areas domestically and internationally, promoting fitness and wellness.

Career Plan

• May 2012: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Lenoir-Rhyne University
• July 2015: Pass the NPTE and become licensed in North Carolina
• August 2015: Complete my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Fall 2015: Begin working as a physical therapist in pediatrics
• 2016-2017: Complete a pediatric physical therapy residency
• 2017: Sit for Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS) exam.
• 2021: Move abroad

(*Bold: Completed)

Self Assessment

Strengths

• Hold a strong sense of compassion for those in need
• Bilingual in German and English
• Have experience traveling abroad including a service learning trip related to physical therapy
• Completed one strong pediatric clinical rotation and will complete another related to pediatrics prior to graduation.
• Experienced in working with children in various settings
• Strong communication skills

Areas of Professional Development

• Advance knowledge of medical equipment used in pediatric physical therapy
• Increase involvement in international physical therapy
• Expand knowledge of complex patient cases
• Develop professional relationships with other physical therapists
• Stay up to date on evidence based practice
• Seek out mentors in pediatric physical therapy

Objectives

1. Study for and pass NPTE to become a licensed physical therapist in North Carolina.
2. Graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill with DPT.
3. Develop clinical skills and knowledge.
4. Complete pediatric residency program.
5. Study for and pass Pediatric Clinical Specialist exam.
6. Participate in short term physical therapy service trips.
7. Commit to long term physical therapy position abroad.

Specific Strategies

1. Prepare for PT boards using various study strategies including practice exams, study groups, review materials, and cases studies.
2. Seek out employment options with mentorship programs established and/or identify an experienced therapist as a mentor.
3. Use a residency program to prepare and sit for pediatric clinical specialist exam.
4. Use Guatemala service trip and other service trips to develop connections, build relationships, and lead to long term physical therapy commitment abroad.

Electives

• PHYT 875 Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Intervention: This course helped give me a better understanding of various tissues in the body and how changes in these areas can impact physical therapy practice. I chose to focus my final paper in this class on a condition that effects the pediatric population: Osgood-Schlatter Disease.
• PHYT 752 Evidence Based Practice II: During this class I completed a critically appraised topic (CAT) guided by the following PICO question: “In overweight or obese adolescents, is continuous aerobic exercise or high-intensity interval training more effective for weight loss?” This information was later used as part of my Capstone project.
  • CAT
• PHYT 864 Developmental Disabilities across the Lifespan: This class provided me with an opportunity to consider issues that influence individuals with developmental disabilities. I also had the chance to meet current physical therapy residents and practicing clinicians in this class which helped me build professional relationships.
• Interdisciplinary Service Learning Trip – Guatemala: The knowledge and experience gained from this experienced will impact my practice as a physical therapist in many ways. Working alongside physical therapists abroad helped develop my communication skills in Spanish. I was able to work in a local hospital as well as participate in community health fairs.
• PHYT 854 Capstone Project: I was able to create patient education materials for the CIDD about maintaining a healthy weight and physical activity recommendations for children with specials needs. Materials included a parent brochure and community resource guide.
  • Parent Brochure
  • Resource Guide

Reflective Statement

The past three years of physical therapy school have passed so quickly. I have gained not only an immense amount of knowledge but also grown in character. I am thankful for all the professors who have taken the time to not only share information but also build a relationship. Additionally, I am grateful for my classmates who pushed me to become better but also provided the support to make it possible. I look forward to starting my career as a physical therapist and cannot wait to see what the future holds!

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