DPT Portfolios

 

Professional Goal Statement

• My professional goal is to be an expert clinician in the field of physical therapy while working with patients with various neurological and orthopedic disorders and conditions. I have a special interest in the areas of Parkinson’s Disease and vestibular rehabilitation and hope to further pursue a career in these areas. I am committed to providing evidence-based patient centered care to all patients. Also, I am committed to be an active advocate for my profession and patients in my local and national community while having an active role in the APTA and the neurology section and vestibular special interest group.

 

Career Plan

• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (University of South Carolina) 2014
• UNC Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program 2014-2017
  • Clinical Rotation I: Sports and Ortho Physical Therapy, Nags Head, NC, Outpatient Orthopedic and Underserved Rotation 2015
  • Clinical Rotation II: CMC Pineville Hospital, Pineville, NC, Acute Rotation 2016
  • Clinical Rotation III: Carol Woods Retirement Community, Chapel Hill, NC, Outpatient Neurological and SNF Rotation, 2016
  • Clinical Rotation IV: Bodies In Balance, Wilmington, NC, Outpatient Neurological and Vestibular Rotation, 2017

 

• Sit for Licensure Exam October 2017
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (UNC Chapel Hill) 2017
• Obtain full-time employment in a hospital/clinic working as a physical therapist in 2017
• Obtain a PWR! (Parkinson’s Wellness Recover) Certification 2018
• Obtain a specialty in Vestibular Rehabilitation 2019
• Become a Clinical Instructor 2020

 

Self-Assessment

Strengths

• Actively involved in the PT program at UNC-Chapel Hill through volunteering with community falls prevention clinics and others
• Leadership experience as UNC SPTA Events Committee Class Chair
• Eager to pursue continuing education programs and attend professional conferences
• Experience with vestibular rehabilitation and Parkinson’s Disease.
• Personal qualities including, leadership skills, initiative, communication, and efficiency.

Areas of further development

• Expanding my knowledge of current research and progressing my evidence based practice skills.
• Experience with orthopedic physical therapy evaluation and treatment skills.
• Continuing professional networking and building relationships with mentors and previous colleagues.
• Gaining a better understanding of billing, coding, and insurance reimbursement in the diverse clinical settings.

Areas of Interest:

• Interdisciplinary care for the geriatric population
• Parkinson’s population
• Vestibular rehabilitation

Objectives

• Sit/Pass Physical Therapy Licensure exam October 2017
• Graduate with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy August 2017
• Obtain a full time employment in a hospital or clinic with a mentor program.
• Become certified in PWR! And Vestibular Rehabilitation

Strategies for development needs and interests:

• Continue to be an active member of the Neurology and Geriatric Sections of the APTA with consideration of joining the Vestibular Rehabilitation special interest group.
• Obtain a membership to Medbridge to use for continuing education and certification preparation.
• Obtain employment with an appropriate mentor for vestibular rehabilitation and PWR! Certification.
• Demonstrate the appropriate requirements to obtain a certification in vestibular rehabilitation and PWR!

Electives

• Advanced Orthopedic Elective
  • This course allowed me to gain a better understanding of the various soft tissues of the body along with how injury to specific tissues vary in healing and recovery needs based on injuries present. For my final course paper, I chose to further investigate hallux valgus (bunions) as they are commonly seen in the geriatric population.
• Advanced Neurology Elective
  • This course allowed me to gain a better understanding and further investigate complex neurological conditions. During this course I investigated Pusher syndrome post-stroke and the influence of exercise on Parkinson’s Disease.

Product Examples

• Clinically appraised paper regarding the use of exercises classes versus the use of video games to improve adherence to exercise programs for the geriatric population.
• Advanced Ortho paper on Hallux Valgus discusses this conditions epidemiology, prognosis, and treatment options.

Reflective Statement

As I reflect on my time as a student of the UNC physical therapy program, I am truly thankful for the support and growth I have experienced during my journey. I have grown personally and professionally into the clinician I am today. I have learned the importance of efficiency and stress management while taking on various types and degrees of challenges in all areas of my life. The tough times were tough but the support and encouragement provided by my classmates, professors, and mentors was overwhelmingly helpful and each has had an influential role in the person I am today. I am extremely appreciative for the guidance of the faculty and cannot thank each of you enough.

As I begin my career as a practicing clinician of physical therapy, I am eager to apply the knowledge and wisdom I have gained over the years. In addition, I am equally as eager and excited to continuously learn and grow in the profession through mentors, colleagues, and continuing education. Completing the doctorate of physical therapy program is just the tip of the iceberg and I am eager to continue to expand my knowledge of the profession towards specialties and to help advocate for the profession to our community.  Thank you to everyone who has influenced me along my journey and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

 

 

 

Comments RSS