DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement

My goal is to become an excellent physical therapist with a focus on the pediatric population. I hope to be a valuable addition to the field of pediatric physical therapy by applying a strong medical background, creativity and evidence-based practice to improve mobility and quality of life in children

Career Plan

Following graduation from UNC Chapel Hill’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and passing the licensure exam, I hope to obtain a job either working with pediatric patients or in an acute hospital setting that serves patients from underserved areas of North Carolina. A job in the acute setting would allow me to gain valuable experience with various patient populations with various diseases and conditions while working towards my goal of being a pediatric physical therapist. Following this acute experience, I will seek a position in an outpatient setting treating pediatric patients in the triangle in North Carolina.

• BS in Exercise Science from Elon University- May 2012
• Sit for NPTE Boards July 22, 2015, Pass the exam
• Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from UNC at Chapel Hill- August 2015
• Obtain a position as an outpatient pediatric physical therapists or a position in a hospital serving rural patients. I hope to find a position with a focus on mentorship and diverse experience opportunities for new graduates 2015-2020
• Obtain a position in a pediatric outpatient clinic in the triangle 2020
• Obtain a position in school-based physical therapy in central North Carolina 2030

Self Assessment

Strengths:

• Compassion for all patients and families regardless of cultural background, education level or socio-economic status
• Strong interpersonal relationships with other healthcare professionals in various settings including acute care, outpatient orthopedics and pediatrics, and the public school system
• Organized and creative with strong communication skills and initiative
• Experience working with children in a variety of settings from ages 2-18 years old

Areas for Professional Development:

• Further develop knowledge of pediatric diagnoses, treatment techniques and patient prognosis
• Further develop treatment skills for children under the age of 2 years old
• Develop connections with community resources to better serve my patients
• Expand understanding of bracing options and develop skills in casting for orthotics

Objectives

My primary area of interest is in the outpatient pediatric setting. I am also interested in gaining experience in the acute care setting.

• Expand my knowledge of and confidence in pediatric physical therapy through study and clinical experience
• Attend pertinent continuing education courses to ensure continued improvement and professional growth
• Work with other members of care teams through collaboration and special clinics to improve continuity of care and ease transition of care from pediatric to adult services

Specific strategies to address my development needs and interests:

• Continue to communicate with my mentors in the pediatric field
• Look for job opportunities that will allow for a varied caseload to improve my repertoire of evaluation and treatment
• Maintain membership in the pediatric section of the APTA to receive updated research and hear of continuing education course opportunities
• Look for opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary care teams

Clinical Rotations and Electives:

Clinical Rotations:

• Lenoir Memorial Hospital, Kinston, NC- Outpatient Orthopedics
• Alamance-Burlington School System, Burlington, NC- School system physical therapy
• Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, Greensboro, NC- Acute Care
• UNC Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC- Outpatient Pediatrics

Electives:

• PHYT 880: Child and Family Assessment and Intervention
• PHYT 885 Advanced Neuromuscular Intervention

Doctoral Project:

I completed my Capstone on device choice for children with spastic cerebral palsy and children with lumbar level spina bifida.

Mentors:

Cathy Howes, PT Chapel Hill, NC

Melissa Scales, PT Durham, NC

Karen McCulloch, PT UNC-CH

Products:

• Presentations on gait device choice for children with spastic cerebral palsy and children with lumbar level spina bifida
• Chart of devices for ambulation appropriate for the pediatric population
• A special topics website on bimanual intensive therapy for children with cerebral palsy

Reflection:

My time at UNC Chapel Hill has been a truly formative experience. I came into the program knowing I loved working with children and knowing I wanted to be a physical therapist but never dreaming these two passions would join to become my career goal. My classmates and the instructors pushed me to expand my understanding of the amazing variety within the field of physical therapy. The faculty provided me with many opportunities to explore my interests in pediatric physical therapy and encouraged me to aim for excellence. I feel confident the relationships I have fostered during my time here will continue to bless my life and my career immeasurably. I am also grateful for having been given the opportunity to learn from stellar clinical instructors in the field. Their passion and drive to provide exceptional care to patients has helped formed my understanding of what patient-first care truly means. This program has offered the space and support for me to grow as a person and as a future physical therapist. I am humbled and honored to soon be able to call my self a Tar Heel alumna and I cannot wait for the start of my career as a physical therapist!

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