Apr 20 2017
Ignaszewski, Kristen
Professional Goal Statement
I aim to become a successful, well-rounded physical therapist with myriad experiences to treat a variety of patients. I strive to work collaboratively to provide patient-centered, evidence-based quality care, aspiring to helping patients restore, maintain, and promote range of motion, strength, function, and general fitness and wellness to improve quality of life. I plan to establish positive working relationships with surrounding healthcare providers and community members for the most inclusive, continuity of care. I intend to remain involved in the profession through continuing education, professional memberships and associations, clinical instruction, and advocacy.
Career Plan
- May 2013: Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Sport Science with a minor in Business Administration from Elon University
- June-August 2015: Acute Care Clinical Affiliation. Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro, NC
- February-April 2016: Orthopedic Clinical Affiliation. Southeastern Orthopedic Specialists in Greensboro, NC
- April-June 2016: Neuromuscular Clinical Affiliation. Oleander Rehabilitation in Wilmington, NC
- May-July 2017: Orthopedic Clinical Affiliation. Outer Banks Physical Therapy in Kitty Hawk, NC
- July 2017: Sit for NCPTE
- August 2017: Graduate with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- August 2017: Begin working at Outer Banks Physical Therapy (outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic) with a committed mentor and experienced therapists who place emphasis on education and the future of the profession
- Maintain APTA Membership
- Pursue a variety of continuing education courses to further my clinical skills and practice
- Become a clinical instructor
Self Assessment
- Strengths
- Communication with a variety of individuals from differing backgrounds
- Ability to develop meaningful relationships with patients of all ages and their families
- Experience in an array of outpatient orthopedic settings
- Able to provide leadership and work well within a team setting
- Interest and participation in athletics
- Passion to serve others
- Desire for lifelong learning
- Organization, persistence, conscientiousness, responsibility
- Areas for Growth & Development
- Advancement of manual techniques for orthopedic and neurologic conditions
- Progression of knowledge and understanding of higher level diagnoses, surgeries, and progression of treatment
- Continuing to seek networking and mentorship opportunities
- Developing a better understanding for insurance, billing, and reimbursement
- Continuing education and conference involvement
Objectives
- Graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Doctor of Physical Therapy program
- Pass NPTE to become a board certified physical therapist in North Carolina
- Become an employed, successful physical therapist in an outpatient orthopedic setting
Specific Strategies/Strategic Plan
- Develop a study plan to prepare to take the NPTE
- Keep an up-to-date resume
- Seek out networking opportunities
- Maintain professional relationships and mentorships for continued professional development with professors from the UNC DPT program and employees at my various clinical experiences
- Seek out research and continuing education opportunities to further my clinical practice and remain up-to-date on evidence-based practice
- Maintain APTA membership
Electives & Capstone
- Fall 2016
- PHYT 875: Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Intervention
- Spring 2017
- PHYT 885: Advanced Neuromuscular Intervention
- PHYT 854: Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAI)
Product Examples
- Capstone Project
- For my capstone project, I created three separate products to use as education tools for three populations (healthcare professionals, healthcare students, and patients/families). The materials focus on the overview of FAI along with its clinical presentation, treatment options, differential diagnosis, and available resources.
- The three products are an iBook available for free download on the App Store, a patient brochure, and PowerPoint lecture material.
- The capstone website can be accessed here: UNC DPT Capstone Website
- Advanced Orthopedic Assessment Final Course Paper
- The topic of this paper was the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC), specifically the anatomy, pathology, detection, and management of TFCC injuries.
- The PDF version of this paper can be accessed here: Ignaszewski Advanced Orthopedic Final Course Paper TFCC
- Clinical Affiliation In-Service Presentation
- This in-service presentation was completed during my outpatient neuromuscular clinical rotation. The topic focused on the treatment of concussion and post-concussion syndrome (PCS) in an outpatient setting, including the use of the Balance Master for assessment and the treatment of athletes for return-to-play evaluation.
- The PDF version of this PowerPoint presentation can be accessed here: Ignaszewski Neuro In-Service Presentation
Reflective Statement
Growing up, it was always a dream to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and become a Tar Heel. I remain honored and humbled to have been accepted to such a reputable DPT program at UNC to achieve this dream. This three-year program has afforded me a multitude of opportunities, including but not limited to clinical experiences at the free, student led Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC) medical clinic, leadership through the Student Physical Therapy Association (SPTA) as the Fundraising Co-Chair and organizing the Annual Golf Tournament, participating in philanthropy events with Bridge2Sports, gathering outcome measure data for the Multiple Sclerosis Free From Falls program, participating in NCPTA Legislative Day for professional advocacy, and four clinical rotations in a variety of settings across North Carolina. I am fortunate to have had professional mentorship and personal support throughout the program, and can’t thank my classmates, professors, and clinical instructors enough for such a wonderful and challenging three year period filled with guidance, learning, collaboration, and friendship. I feel confident in my past and future plans for growth and development toward my goals, and I am excited to graduate from the UNC DPT program as a Tar Heel to begin my career as a physical therapist in an outpatient orthopedic clinic in the Outer Banks. I thank all those who have supported me along this journey, and look forward to continued professional development and lifelong learning.