May 21 2019
Guardalabene, Taylor
Professional Goal Statement:
My goal is to become a knowledgeable physical therapist specializing in orthopedic injuries in the athletic population. I want to work with patients across the lifespan to rehabilitate injuries, and return to living a healthy lifestyle and maintain their functional independence. I will use my previous knowledge from Athletic Training and my extensive physical therapy education to ensure my patients are receiving the best quality of care to return to their prior level of function and beyond.
Career Plan:
Past experiences
- Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Emory & Henry College- May 2016
- Pass Board of Certification Exam to become a licensed Athletic Trainer- June 2016
- Entrance into Class of 2019 UNC DPT Program- August 2016
- Clinical Rotations
- June-August 2017: Davis Regional Medical Center, 8 week outpatient orthopedics rotation
- March-April 2018: Carolinas Rehabilitation, 8 week inpatient rehab rotation
- May-June 2018: Moses Cone Memorial Hospital, 8 week acute care rotation
- May-July 2019: Greg Ott Center for Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, 12 week outpatient orthopedic and sports rotation
- Clinical Rotations
Future plans:
- Graduate from the University of North Carolina’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program- August 2019
- Pass the Federation of State Boards Physical Therapy Exam
- Obtain a full-time position in an outpatient facility focusing on sports
- Certified Clinical Instructor- 2021-2022
- Pass the Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) exam- within 3 years after graduation
- Complete a Physical Therapy Residency Program focused in Sports- within 3 years of graduation
- Complete the Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) exam- within 5 years of graduation
- Become a medial volunteer as a physical therapist at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles- 2028
Self-Assessment:
Strengths: Patient communication, Good time management skills, Work ethic, Compassion, Building good rapport with patients and other healthcare professionals.
Areas for Improvement: Confidence in my knowledge and clinical practice, advocating for the profession, being proactive in seeking EBP.
Objectives:
- Graduate from UNC DPT program- August 2019
- Sit for and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam
- Obtain a full time working position in an outpatient orthopedic setting
- Obtain a specialty in orthopedics and/or sports
Specific Strategies:
- Maintain a strict study plan to pass the NPTE exam
- Be an active member of the APTA, and be a strong advocate for the physical therapy profession
- Complete continuing education courses to stay up to date on new information
- Become a member of the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy
- Develop professional relationships with other PTs and healthcare providers
Electives:
- Fall 2018- Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Treatment
- Spring 2019- Integrated Clinical Experience and Service Learning Trip to Guatemala
Product Examples:
Reflective Statement:
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend physical therapy school at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. I have learned so much in the past three years, which has helped to prepare me to be a great physical therapist. Prior to starting physical therapy school, I had very limited knowledge about the wide scope of practice that PTs have. I have had the opportunity to have clinical rotations in many unique settings, and work with a wide variety of patient populations. These clinical experiences along with our classes have allowed me to learn how important the physical therapy profession is, and how we can really make a difference in people’s lives. My experiences over the past 3 years have allowed me to build my knowledge and confidence about providing quality care to patients.
I have always been interested in the athletic population, and I think that PT plays a major role in allowing athletes return to their sport after an injury. The past 3 years have allowed my interest in helping the athletic population to grow, but I have also become interested in getting people more active. I do think that movement is a key factor in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and overall health. When I complete my physical therapy degree, I want to be able to help people across the lifespan recover from injury, and be able to live their lives to the best of their ability. I am dedicated to making sure I provide quality healthcare so that every patient has a great experience and is able to independently return to their prior level of function or better. I am looking forward to using all of the knowledge I have gained over the past 3 years, and also continuing to learn more as I enter the workforce. I am confident that this program has prepared me to be a successful physical therapists, and that I will be able to make a difference in many patient’s lives.
Taylor: Great job on your portfolio. Nice to see all you have done and what you are looking forward to doing. You have been great to work with and I know you will have a great career ahead of you. Good luck! Lisa
Taylor,
Thanks for sharing your accomplishments and goals. I look forward to seeing you blend your previous athletic training experience and current physical therapy education into a rewarding career. Good luck to you!
Jennifer
Taylor,
Great job on the portfolio. I enjoyed working with you on the capstone, well done!!
McMike