DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement

My goal is to become an orthopedic clinical specialist that provides high quality care to individuals of all ages. I will stay abreast of the latest evidenced based practice by constantly seeking opportunities for continued education and becoming involved in professional organizations. I plan on building a good rapport with local physicians and surgeons in order to increase my referral rate. As I gain experience, I want to become a certified clinical instructor in order to help educate the next generation of physical therapists. I also want to donate my time to a pro bono program in order to provide services for individuals who cannot afford health insurance. Ultimately, I want to become the lead therapist at my facility/clinic.

Career Plan

• December 2014: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from East Tennessee State University
• August 2015: Begin Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at The University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill
• Clinical Rotations
  • June-August 2016: Acute care rotation at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville, NC
  • March-June 2017: Outpatient orthopedic rotation at Brunswick Physical Therapy Associates in Supply, NC
  • June-July 2017: Inpatient neuro rotation at CarePartners Rehabilitation Hospital in Asheville, NC
  • May-July 2018: Outpatient orthopedic rotation at UNC Meadowmont and Spine Center in Chapel Hill, NC
• July 2018: Pass Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy Examination
• August 4, 2018: Graduate as Doctor of Physical Therapy
• September 2018: Work in an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Tennessee
• 2020-2022: Obtain Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Certification
• 2022-24: Become a certified clinical instructor
• 2027: Become Lead PT or clinic manager
• 2030: Possibly become an anatomy lab instructor at local a community college

Self-Assessment

• Strengths
  • Ability to communicate with individuals from various backgrounds
  • Experience working with different patient populations in various settings
  • Ability to adapt to change in a timely manner
  • Makes treatment sessions fun and interactive for patients

• Areas for Professional Development
  • Continue to improve public speaking skills
  • Continue to improve my understanding of medical billing and insurance
  • Become more active with professional organizations to further improve my clinical knowledge and networking

• Objectives
  • Pass the Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy Exam in July 2018
  • Graduate with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in August 2018
  • Obtain a position in an outpatient orthopedic clinic in September 2018
  • Become a orthopedic clinical specialist

• Specific Strategies
  • Participate in ICE to improve my clinical reasoning skills in the orthopedic setting
  • Enroll in the Advanced Orthopaedic Assessment and Treatment course to further improve my orthopedic knowledge
  • Maintain positive relationships with faculty at UNC and previous clinical instructors
  • Become active in professional organizations
  • Adhere to NPTE study plan while balancing clinical and class work

• Electives and Capstone
  • Electives
    • PHYT 875– Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Intervention
    • PHYT 870– Integrated Clinical Experience
  • Products
    • Capstone Site
      • I made a comprehensive guide to be used to evaluate and treat plantar fasciitis. This project includes a powerpoint presentation, clinician quick reference guide, evidence table, and patient brochure.
    • Critically Appraised Topic
      • I found the latest evidence to determine if platelet-rich plasma or corticosteroid injections provided better short/long term pain relief for those with chronic plantar fasciitis.

• Reflective Statement

Attending the Carolina’s DPT program has been a life changing experience. I have been challenged both academically and personally, which has facilitated my growth as both a clinician and person. Carolina has presented me with numerous opportunities to learn and interact with some of the brightest minds in our profession. I have made connections with some of my classmates that will last a lifetime. I am grateful to be surrounded with faculty that has never hesitated to help. The Integrated Clinical Experience and Advanced Orthopedic elective courses allowed me to explore my interest in foot/ankle pathologies and greatly improved my orthopedic knowledge. Following graduation, I plan on moving back to Tennessee and practicing in an outpatient orthopedic setting. I hope to gain employment with a company that allows me to create an orthotic fabrication lab. As my experience improves, I plan on earning my orthopedic specialist certification. I am looking forward to my life journey of knowledge.

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