Dec 03 2020
Zhou, Alan
Professional Goal Statement
Upon successful graduation from the DPT program at UNC-Chapel Hill, I plan to practice in an outpatient orthopedic clinic setting that specializes in sports rehabilitation and athletic performance. With this experience, I hope to sharpen my skills in orthopedic evaluation and treatment of sport injuries through the lens of strength and conditioning. My passion is to work with recreational and competitive athletes to get them back onto the court or field through optimizing physical performance, movement training, and building foundational strength. I then plan to undergo a residency program to further my knowledge as a clinician, gain mentorship, strengthen clinical weaknesses, and obtain my Sports Certified Specialist certification.
Career Plan
Previous/Current Accomplishments
- May 2014: Bachelors degree in Biology from the University of Virginia
- July 2021: Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Future Goals
- Pass the Federation of State Board Physical Therapy Examination
- Pass the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Examination
- 1-3 years
- Work in an outpatient orthopedic clinic specializing in the athletic population
- Pursue further education and specialized mentorship with a sports residency
- Pass the sports specialist exam
- 3-10 years
- Become certified clinical instructor
- 10+ years
- Work for a sports performance center for high level high school and collegiate athletes
Self-assessment
Strengths
- Bedside manner/ interpersonal skills
- Application of current, best evidence
- Athletic and Strength & Conditioning experience
- Open communication
- Strong desire for specialization and mastery
- Self-motivated learning and working
Areas for improvement
- Knowledge of sport specific demands
- Physical therapy political advocacy
- Understanding of insurance reimbursement
Objectives
- Graduate from the UNC DPT Program in July 2021
- Pass my PT licensure board exam on the first trial in July of 2021 and attain my Physical Therapy license
- Continue to develop my competence and understanding of PT’s role in prevention based healthcare reform and improving the profession
- Obtain sports related certifications as appropriate to help differentiate myself from other outpatient clinicians and improve my patient outcomes
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Given the occurrence of recent events, ensuring that the principles of DEI are applied to my future patients is of utmost importance. The recent readings, discussions, and educational talks that I have experienced, have given me a greater understanding of those with similar minority experiences to my own. Understanding the history and social forces at play have helped me to understand that there is a greater system we must wrestle with as a nation. Understanding personal biases and empathizing with other has me made me a better listener, friend, and clinician. It has been wonderful to see how much UNC DPT has championed the causes for the African American community. As an Asian American, I am looking forward to the future steps the program will take to address the current and future issues facing people like myself and other minorities.
Product Examples
Reflective statement and assessment of progress toward goal.
Alan,
It is nice to see your goals articulated and the progress you have made towards them. Your interest in sports PT has been evident from the beginning and you are moving closer to that goal with each step. Thank you for your excellent contributions to the Exercise Prescription course this year. Best of luck as you move forward with your career.
Mike