DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement

It is my desire to become a well-rounded, confident, culturally sensitive Physical Therapist who incorporates evidence-based care into my practice as a wound-care or oncology specialist. As a physical therapist, I will strive to always expand my knowledge through clinical experience, continuing education courses, and incorporating evidence-based practice to provide my patients with the most optimal, individualized treatment. I aspire to provide an individualized experience for each one of my patients, while also making a positive impact on them. Finally, it is my plan to provide free services for underserved communities and families who cannot afford healthcare through various organizations.

Career Plan

Academic Background

• University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Exercise and Sports Science- 2015
• University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy- 2016-2019
  • Elective Courses
    • Advanced Orthopedics Assessment and Intervention
    • Integrated Clinical Experience
      • 60 hours of outpatient orthopedics with a focus on manual therapy skills, musculoskeletal diseases, and diaphragmatic breathing
    • Teacher’s Assistant for PHYT 722: Selected PT Modalities
      • Presented a lecture on diaphragmatic breathing as an intervention
      • Developed and expanded on necessary skills to become an effective and efficient leader as well as educator
    • Tyrrell County Interdisciplinary Service-Learning Trip
      • An interdisciplinary team of students and clinicians provided one week of various services around Tyrrell County to assist the community in making positive changes related to the social determinants of health
  • In-service
    • Provided a week-long presentation during National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) Week to educate students on eating disorders and what a physical therapist’s role is in treating them
    • NEDA Week Presentation

Clinical Rotation Experience

• Clinical Rotation 1: UNC Primary Care at Smithfield- Smithfield, NC (Outpatient- Orthopedics)
  • In-service: LSVT in Treating Patients with Parkinson’s
• Clinical Rotation 2: Atrium Health Union (formally known as Carolinas Medical Center-Union)- Monroe, NC (Outpatient- Neuromuscular and Oncology specific)
• Clinical Rotation 3a: Kindred Hospital Greensboro- Greensboro, NC (Long Term Acute Care)
  • In-service: Functional Outcome Measures for the LTAC/ICU Setting
• Clinical Rotation 3b: Moses Cone Hospital- Greensboro, NC (Acute Care with a focus on wound care)
• Clinical Rotation 4: UNC Hospital- Chapel Hill, NC (Burn Unit)

Professional Work

• Exercise Assistant for an adolescent with cerebral palsy- 2016-2017
  • Assisted the client with a prescribed home exercise program of stretching, strengthening, and endurance on land as well as aquatics
• Personal Aid for an adult with cerebral palsy- 2018-2019
  • Assisted client with transfers, hygienic requirements, and household duties

Future Plans

• Graduate from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy- August 2019
• Search for a Physical Therapist job in a burn-unit or outpatient clinic with occasional acute care hours- August – October 2019
• Sit for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Examination- October 2019
• Work to develop my skills as a clinician while working with various organizations to promote wellness in the community- October 2019 – 2024
• Become a Clinical Instructor- January 2021
• Consider a residency or certification for oncology to further develop my credentials- January 2025

Self-Assessment

• Strengths
  • Strong communication skills
  • Compassionate and empathetic personality
  • Dedication to service and the physical therapy profession
  • Positive, professional attitude
  • A desire for continued education
• Opportunities for growth
  • Remaining informed on the most current evidence-based practices
  • Participation and involvement in APTA organization
  • Management skills on how to run a successful physical therapy practice
  • Knowledge of insurance reimbursement

Objectives

At this time, my interest is torn between two specialties. I am passionate about providing care for patients suffering from wounds, specifically burns, but as of late, I have also developed an interest in providing care for those undergoing treatment for various cancers.

• Graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill with my Doctorate of Physical Therapy
• Become a board-certified Physical Therapist
• Gain full-time employment in an outpatient setting
• Become a clinical instructor
• Become an Oncologist Certified Specialist.

Strategies

• Maintain a relationship with my CI, Annelise Savodnik, LPT, Oncology Certified Specialist, who can guide me on the avenues I should take to treat patients suffering from cancer.
• Maintain connections with my CI, Anita Shen, DPT, and network at the UNC Hospital burn unit during my 4^throtation for a potential job offering.
• Apply for several full-time and part-time jobs in the Chapel Hill-Durham-Raleigh area
• Attend a wound or burn symposium to increase wound care knowledge for providing wound care
• Become an APTA member

Samples of my Work

Functional Outcome Measures for the LTAC_ICU Setting-2

LSVT in treating Parkinson’s Patients

CAT: Would diaphragmatic breathing instead of opioids better reduce low back pain?

Capstone: Diaphragmatic Breathing as an Intervention for Low Back Pain

Reflection Statement

As I reflect back on my time in UNC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, I cannot help but be astounded at the amount of growth I had over these past 3 years. During this time, I have been provided extensive opportunities to provide service for the community, which has helped cultivate a strong drive to advocate for the physical therapy profession and underserved. From helping those through UMC to providing one week of various services around Tyrrell County to assist the community in making positive changes related to the social determinants of health, it has become glaringly apparent to me the positive impact we can have on a person’s quality of life. Moreover, I am humbled and grateful to be part of such an inspiring, dedicated community at UNC. The professors and staff always strive to provide support for each of our interests by lending a hand, while also inspiring us with their own dedication for this profession. This mindset extends to each of the students and alum who have gone through this program and are always available to cheer each other on.

When I began PT school, I was sure that I would eventually work as an acute care wound specialist. However, as I progressed through the program and participated in my clinicals, my original desire for wound care evolved to a more specialized demographic. I found myself passionately advocating for and with patients suffering from burns, as well as patients battling with cancer. These settings allowed space for my natural compassion and strength to shine in a way that other settings had not. Additionally, the medical complexity of these patients forced me to further develop my creativity, while also remaining flexible in treatments. Thanks to my time with these incredible people and fantastic clinical instructors, Annelise Savodnik and Anita Shen, it has become my goal to continue working in either a burn unit or an outpatient oncology clinic.

I am eternally grateful for everything this program has provided me. Without them, I would not be the clinician I am today.

Comments RSS