Apr 27 2020
Cain, Amelia
Professional Goal Statement
Upon graduation from UNC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, I hope to be a knowledgeable, empathetic, and proactive physical therapist working with patients with neurological conditions. I aspire to lead by example in my commitment to my patients through self-improvement and continuous learning. I will remain an active member of the physical therapy community and pursue additional opportunities for involvement and leadership. I plan to contribute to the future of the profession by pursuing new ideas through research, teaching, collaborating with colleagues, and advocating for patients and the profession. My goal is to continuously strive to provide the best possible care for both patients with whom I work directly and those I may impact indirectly.
Career Plan
Past
- Neuroscience B.S., Ohio State University–Columbus, OH (2017)
Current
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, NC (anticipated August 2020)
- Clinical Rotations:
- Deep River Rehabilitation-Randolph Health (outpatient ortho)–Randleman, NC
- UNC Center for Rehabilitation Care (outpatient neuro)–Chapel Hill, NC
- OSU James Cancer Hospital (acute care)–Columbus, OH
- Anticipated Atrium Health’s Carolina’s Rehabilitation (inpatient rehab)–Charlotte, NC
- 60 hr integrated clinical experience: UNC Family Medical Center (outpatient ortho)–Chapel Hill, NC
- MS STEP UP Scholar (2018-2020)
- President of the Student Physical Therapy Association (SPTA) at UNC (2018-2019)
- UNC Delegate, NCPTA Student Special Interest Group (2018-2019)
- LSVT BIG Certified (November 2019-November 2021)
- Member of the APTA, neurologic and research sections (2017-present)
Future goals
- Complete the Neurologic physical therapy residency at the University of Southern California (anticipated August 2021)
- Achieve neurologic specialist certification
- Maintain APTA membership including neurologic, research, and state sections
- Maintain involvement with MS STEP UP and Volunteer Leadership Team as scholar mentor
- Attend CMSC annual meeting 2021
- Obtain MSCS
- Become certified clinical instructor
Self-Assessment
Strengths:
· Curiosity and commitment to continuous learning · Adaptability · Professionalism · Communication skills · Leadership experience · Additional knowledge and experience in MS · General enthusiasm for physical therapy
Areas for professional development:
· Knowledge of reimbursement policies (particularly with telehealth changes in response to COVID-19) · Limited research experience including writing and presenting · Confidence with conditions to which I have had limited exposure thus far · Conversational medical Spanish
Objectives
- Prepare for and pass the NPTE July 28, 2020, and matriculate into neurologic residency in August 2020
- Attend at least one professional conference in 2020-2021
- Maintain APTA and section memberships
- Obtain a full-time job ideally affiliated with a DPT program by October 2021
Specific Strategies
- Establish and stick to a study plan for the NPTE, and utilize those study habits throughout preparation for clinical specialist exam in 2021
- Identify and network with individuals engaged in neurologic physical therapy and mentorship
- Engage in clinical research
- Continue independent study and practice of Spanish medical terminology
Product Examples
Capstone:
MS STEP UP Patient Cases: Advanced Clinical Reasoning for Treating Complex Patients with MS
Grand Rounds:
Critically Appraised Topic:
In-service:
Review of Leukemia with Implications for Rehab
Reflection
The past three years in UNC’s DPT program have provided me with anticipated and unanticipated challenge, growth, and appreciation. I am grateful for the education, clinical experiences, mentorship, and relationships I have gained in my time as a Tar Heel. I am continuously impressed with and thankful for the exceptional faculty at UNC and for the 29 fellow almost-DPTs who have made this program like family. I have done my best to take advantage of the opportunities available at UNC and feel I can look back on my graduate school experience with pride. I am particularly humbled by my involvement in MS STEP UP, which not only provided me with knowledge and experience in Multiple Sclerosis, but also with a community of mentors and colleagues who are passionate, brilliant, and supportive. I really cannot adequately express my appreciation for this program. I am optimistic that the variety of learning and leadership opportunities I have had here have prepared me well to continue to grow throughout my career.
Thank you to the Class of 2020 and the UNC faculty!
Amelia: Great job on your portfolio! It is nice to see samples of your work. You have done a great job as a MS scholar. I am excited to wish you luck on your residency. I know you will do great! Good luck and stay in touch! Lisa
Amelia – I’m so pleased to see all you’ve accomplished in the program, and I’m looking forward to seeing the great things you will do in the future! Wishing you much success and fulfillment in your career. You and I know that neuro PTs have the most fun!
Vicki
Amelia,
Congratulations on an amazing portfolio. I’ve enjoyed working with both you and Amy over these last several months. Despite our “game plan” changing in March, I feel that the both of you adapted well which resulted in a very cool research product. Please keep in touch and let me know how your transition to California life turns out! I have a mile-long list of LA recommendations for you. Exciting times ahead!
Take care,
Jessica