DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement

As a dedicated and motivated physical therapy student, my professional goal is to build a career in an outpatient clinical setting that integrates both neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation. I am passionate about providing patient-centered care that addresses the complex needs of individuals recovering from musculoskeletal injuries as well as neurological conditions. My aim is to develop advanced clinical skills in manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and evidence-based interventions that support functional recovery and enhance quality of life. I am committed to lifelong learning, interprofessional collaboration, and contributing to a positive healing environment that empowers patients to achieve their highest level of independence and well-being.

Career Plan 

Education

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, December 2020
  • Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science

Clinical Experiences:

• Clinical Rotation I (8 weeks): Novant Health New Hanover Rehabilitation Services | June-August 2023
  • Acute Care Physical Therapy 
• Clinical Rotation II (8 weeks): Novant Health Rehabilitation Center at Oleander | Wilmington, NC | April-June 2024
  • Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy
• Clinical Rotation III (8 weeks): Carolinas Rehabilitation Northeast | Concord, NC | March-April 2024
  • Inpatient Physical Therapy
• Clinical Rotation IV (12 weeks): Bodies in Balance | Wilmington, NC | May to July 2025
  • Outpatient Orthopedic and Neurologic Physical Therapy

Electives: 

• Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Treatment, Fall 2024
• Child and Family Assessment, Fall 2024
• Advanced Neuromuscular Intervention, Spring 2025
• Integrated Clinical Experience (60 hours): Outpatient Neurologic Physical Therapy, Spring 2025
  • University Physical Therapy with Rachel Donnelly, PT, DPT

Capstone Project: 

• Title: The Utilization of HIIT for Cognitive Recovery Post-Stroke
• Description: This project explores the potential of High-Intensity Interval Training to enhance cognitive recovery in post-stroke patients by examining its effects on executive function, memory, and attention. Through a synthesis of emerging evidence, it evaluates HIIT as a complementary or alternative intervention to traditional cognitive rehabilitation, addressing current gaps in efficacy and clinical applicability.

Extra-Curriculars: 

• Student Health Action Coalition – Physical Therapy Manager 2023

Self-Assessment

Strengths: 

• Naturally connect with patients to build trust, promote open communication, and create a strong foundation for therapeutic alliance.

• Highly adaptable in the moment—able to adjust plans and interventions fluidly in response to patient presentation and changing needs.

• Maintain a calm, level-headed presence under pressure, using sound clinical reasoning to guide thoughtful, patient-centered decisions.

• Consistently prioritize the patient experience, ensuring care is compassionate, respectful, and aligned with individual goals.

• Grounded in a service-oriented mindset from diverse work experiences, with a deep commitment to helping others thrive.

• Self-motivated and deeply driven to keep learning, ask questions, and refine clinical knowledge.

Areas for Development: 

• Continue refining clinical decision-making through consistent engagement with current evidence, research, and best practices.

• Seek advanced education, mentorship, and specialty certifications to expand clinical expertise and better serve target populations.

• Gain additional hands-on experience with complex neurologic, vestibular, and multi-system conditions to build clinical confidence and depth

• Become more actively involved in professional advocacy and leadership to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the physical therapy profession.

Objectives

• August 2025: Graduate from the UNC DPT program
• Fall 2025: Pass the NPTE board exam and obtain licensure in the state of North Carolina and begin practicing in a neurologic and/or orthopedic setting
• First 2 years of practice: Become a Clinical Instructor
• First 5 years of practice: Potentially obtain the following certifications – NCS (Neurologic Clinical Specialist), Vestibular Rehabilitation Certification, LSVT BIG Certification, Dry Needling, OCS (Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist), FAAOMPT (Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists)

Interprofessional Education Activities

My experiences with interprofessional education have significantly shaped the way I will approach patient care as a physical therapist. Through collaborative cases involving geriatrics, traumatic brain injury, and chronic illness management, I gained a deep appreciation for the value of interdisciplinary teamwork in achieving optimal patient outcomes. These experiences highlighted the importance of understanding and respecting the unique contributions of other healthcare professionals, such as nursing, social work, medicine, nutrition, and dentistry. I learned that effective communication and role clarity are essential in avoiding fragmented care and ensuring that all aspects of a patient’s well-being are addressed. I was particularly struck by how collaboration can uncover solutions I might not have considered alone—such as the impact of oral health on nutrition or the psychosocial needs tied to discharge planning. Moving forward, I will actively seek opportunities to integrate interprofessional collaboration into my clinical practice, advocate for PT’s role within care teams early in the treatment process, and prioritize holistic, patient-centered care that considers the full spectrum of a person’s health needs.

Product Examples

• Capstone: The Utilization of HIIT for Cognitive Recovery Post-Stroke – A literature Review
• CAT: In adults with cognitive impairments post-stroke (P), how does high-intensity interval training (I) compare to cognitive rehabilitation (C) alone in improving cognitive function (O)?
• NHRC Inservice: Navigating the Risks of Assistive Devices and Empowering Aging Adults through Physical Therapy – A Case Study

Reflection

Throughout my time in the UNC DPT program, I have experienced significant personal and professional growth, gaining both the clinical skills and the interdisciplinary insight necessary to become a well-rounded physical therapist. My exposure to diverse clinical settings and collaborative care models has shaped my passion for neurologic and orthopedic rehabilitation, and reinforced the importance of patient-centered, evidence-based practice. As I approach graduation in August 2025, I feel prepared and motivated to take the NPTE, obtain licensure in North Carolina, and begin my clinical career. In my first two years, I plan to take on the role of a Clinical Instructor to help guide future students and continue developing my teaching and leadership skills. Over the next five years, I aim to expand my clinical expertise through advanced certifications such as NCS, OCS, Vestibular Rehab, LSVT BIG, Dry Needling, and FAAOMPT. I am committed to lifelong learning and professional excellence, and I look forward to becoming a specialist who not only delivers high-quality care but also contributes meaningfully to the profession.

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