Apr 10 2016

Williams, Lexie

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Professional Goal:

  • My goal is to be an expert clinician in the field of physical therapy working with patients who have neurological disorders and conditions. Through my experience in the UNC MS STEP UP Program, I will continue to be a liaison of the NMSS and support the unique program through volunteer efforts. After graduation, I will be pursuing a neurologic residency with a long-term goal of becoming a neurologic specialist certified clinician. I am committed to being an evidence-based practitioner, advocate for both my patients and profession, and maintain my active role in the APTA. I would like to work in a clinic that supports interdisciplinary work, mentorship, student involvement and continuing education. I will also strive to continue to promote diversity within our profession through the development of a diversity mentorship program I began during my time in school.

Career Plan:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training (UNC Wilmington) 2013
  • UNC Doctor of Physical Therapy Program 2013-2016
    • Clinical Rotation I: Oleander Rehab, Wilmington, NC-Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinical Rotation 2014
    • Clinical Rotation II: Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC-Acute Care, Underserved 2015
    • Clinical Rotation III: UNC Center for Rehabilitation Care, Chapel Hill, NC-Outpatient Neuro 2015
    • Clinical Rotation IV: Carolinas Rehabilitation, Charlotte, NC-Inpatient Neuro 2016
  • MS STEP UP Program 2014-2016
  • Tyrrell County Interdisciplinary Service Learning Trip 2016
  • UNC Physical Therapy Outreach Service Learning Trip to Guatemala 2016
  • Sit for Licensure Exam July 2016
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (UNC Chapel Hill) 2016
  • Begin Neurologic Residency Program August 2016-August 2017
  • Obtain full-time employment in hospital/clinic working as neurological physical therapist
  • Become clinical instructor and guest presenter at local PT/PTA program
  • Sit for NCS exam March 2018
  • Obtain leadership position within APTA

Self-Assessment:

  • Strengthens
    • Background in orthopedics/sports, and clinical experience through Athletic Training background
    • Actively engaged in PT governing body organization through conference attendance and volunteer
    • Eger to pursue continuing education courses outside of classroom
    • Clinical experience with MS
    • Commitment to professional development
  • Areas for further development
    • Ability to build and maintain PT network for preparation for future endeavors
    • Experience with advanced neurological population (SCI, ALS)
    • Knowledge in healthcare policy, private payors, and billing/reimbursement

Objectives:

  • Sit/Pass Physical therapy Licensure exam July 2016
  • Graduate with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy August 2016
  • Begin Neuro Residency at Boston University August 2016

Elective Options:

  • Fall 2015:
    • Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Treatment (PHYT 875) (Final Paper)
    • Research Experience (PHYT 754)
  • Spring 2016:
    • Tyrell County Service Learning Trip (PHYT 896)
    • Guatemala Service Learning trip (PHYT 895)
  • Doctoral Project

Examples of eDPT Projects:

Other Professional Activities:

  • Gfeller Sports-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center 2013-2015
  • APTA Student Assembly Project Committee
    • Minority and International Affairs 2013-2014
    • Community Service 2014-2015
  • Student Ambassador, UNC Department of Allied Health Sciences 2013-2016
  • SPTA Fundraising Co-Chair, UNC Student Physical Therapy Association 2014-2015
  • Lee Silverman Voice Training (LSVT) BIG for Parkinson’s
  • Constraint Induce Movement Therapy Camp Volunteer 2015
  • Co-Chair, 10th Annual UNC Division of Physical Therapy Golf Tournament
  • UNC Physical Therapy Outreach Service-Learning Trip to Guatemala
  • Conference Attendance
    • Federal Advocacy Forum 2014
    • APTA NEXT Conference 2014
    • APTA National Student Conclave 2014
    • Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Annual Conference 2015, 2016
    • NCPTA Fall Conference

Reflection:

I am so grateful for the experience I have received through the UNC DPT program. It has been a challenging 3 years, but because of that, I have grown both personally and professionally. As I look back on my time a student, I truly believe I made the most of my time here. The MS STEP UP program has been an amazing experience and open so many doors for my future such as improving my public speaking skills by presenting at Grand Rounds, improving my teaching skills by organizing and hosting Free From Falls, participating in research, and having the opportunity to travel to Calgary, Canada to participate in the CMSC Fellowship program.

I have made the effort to extend my learning experience beyond the classroom through APTA Project Committee involvement and attendance at local, state, and national conferences. I have developed as a leader through my involvement in UNC SPTA and successfully ran the 10th Annual DPT Golf Tournament. Despite the torrential downpour of rain, we were able to raise over $4,000 to benefit the Foundation for Physical Therapy and UNC SPTA.

I have been surrounded by amazing mentors throughout my education. I would not be where I am today without the guidance and mentorship from the UNC DPT Faculty and Staff. I am so thankful for the time and energy that was put into my development at a student and professional. I will forever be in debt to their services. What I continue to learn from those ahead of me, I feel that it is my duty to pass down the knowledge to those that follow. I truly believe that this structure is key to moving forward in our profession and I am lucky to have top leaders in our profession as role models.

As I take the step into my career as a physical therapist, I am excited to begin my next journey at Boston University in the neurologic residency program this Fall.  I know that my time at UNC has prepared me to be a competitive applicant. I am grateful for the opportunity to advance my education toward my path of becoming an expert in the field of neurologic physical therapy, better serving my patients and profession.

Lastly, I am beyond grateful for the 29 individuals I was able to share this journey with. Together we survived the highs and lows and I know the connections we made through this program will become lifelong friendships. We made it!

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