DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement

My professional goal is to become a compassionate and competent clinician who is confident with providing evidence-based physical therapy services. My current interests are focused on treating women and men with pelvic floor pathologies but I would also like to further develop my orthopedic skills so that I can approach these patients more globally. Through continuing education and clinical experience, I plan to broaden my pelvic floor and orthopedic evaluation and treatment techniques. Ultimately, I would like to collaborate with a Women’s and Men’s Health physical therapy practice that values people, evidence-based practice, professional development, education, work-life balance and diversity.

Career Plan

• Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science, UNC-Chapel Hill, Spring 2013
• Doctorate of Physical Therapy, UNC-Chapel Hill, Summer 2013 – 2016
  • Outpatient Orthopedic Clinical Rotation, John Wallace Sports Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Nags Head, NC, Summer 2014
  • Acute Care Clinical Rotation, Carolinas Medical Center – Main, Charlotte, NC, Spring 2015
  • Inpatient Neurological Clinical Rotation, Carolinas Rehabilitation – Main, Charlotte, NC, Summer 2015
  • Outpatient Men and Women’s Health Clinical Rotation, UNC REX Outpatient Physical Therapy, Raleigh, NC, Summer 2016
• Received Level 1 Pelvic Floor Certification with Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, Spring 2016
• Participated in the UNC Physical Therapy Outreach Service-Learning Trip to Guatemala, Spring 2016
• Expected to graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, UNC-Chapel Hill, Summer 2016
• Train and practice with a temporary license in Berkeley, California with a Women and Men’s Health outpatient physical therapy clinic, Summer 2016
• Obtain Physical Therapy Licensure in the State of California, Fall 2016
• Lifelong involvement with the International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) and APTA
• Ongoing Continuing Education and Professional Development

Self-Assessment

Strengths

• Organized and skilled in stress- and time-management; able to maintain a work-life balance
• Considerate of and empathetic to personal and cultural backgrounds
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Commitment to life-long learning

Areas of Professional Development

• Increase knowledge and confidence related to prognosis, assessment, and intervention progression for individuals with pelvic floor conditions
• Commitment to professional development
• Networking and developing relationships with PTs and other health professionals

Objectives

• Graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Doctor in Physical Therapy, Summer 2016
• Obtain first job with an outpatient pelvic floor physical therapy clinic, practicing with a temporary license, Summer 2016 thru Fall 2016
• Prepare and pass National Physical Therapy Exam, Fall 2016
• Become an active participant of IPPS and member of APTA, Ongoing
• Pursue continuing educational opportunities in pelvic rehabilitation and orthopedics, Ongoing

 Strategies

• Organize course materials and develop a study schedule to prepare for the National Physical Therapy Exam, Summer 2016
• Complete final 12-week rotation in an outpatient pelvic floor-focused physical therapy clinic, Summer 2016
• Attend Level 2A Pelvic Floor Course with Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, Spring 2017
• Contribute to the Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Center’s weekly blog, Ongoing
• Maintain relationships with clinical instructors and professors for mentorship post-graduation, Ongoing
• Sustain APTA membership and seek IPPS involvement; attend sponsored events/meetings, Ongoing

Electives and Other Coursework

• Fall 2015:
  • Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Treatment (PHYT 875)
• Spring 2016:
  • Introductory Spanish for Health Professionals (PUBH 610)
  • Guatemala Service Learning Trip (PHYT 895)
• Samples of Coursework
  • Evidence Based Practice II (PHYT 752) – Critically Appraised Topic
  • Capstone Project (PHYT 854)– Back School as an Effective Intervention for Managing Chronic Low Back Pain

Reflection

After graduating from Carolina in Spring 2013 with my BA in EXSS, I was conflicted with the decision to continue my schooling at UNC-Chapel Hill or venture off to a PT program in big city with a larger class size. Three years later I am thankful that I made the choice to receive my DPT at UNC-Chapel Hill.  I have worked alongside faculty and peers that have and will continue to positively influence our profession.  I am truly grateful for the experiences and opportunities that this program has afforded me both professionally and personally.

One of the most amazing aspects of physical therapy that I was not aware of before entering this program is how our skills can be applied to a variety of patient populations. I was in awe when I learned that physical therapy could be applied to the pelvic floor. Women’s and Men’s Health physical therapy is a relatively new interest of mine and because of this, many of my projects have focused on other areas within the profession. However, I am excited to complete my outpatient pelvic floor clinical rotation this summer and continue my education in this specialty.

Going forward, I anticipate the exciting challenges and experiences that a profession in physical therapy grants and I look forward to providing the best care to my patients. Above all, I am truly grateful for the lifelong lessons and friendships I have made through this educational journey.

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