DPT Portfolios

Professional Goals and Career Plan

As a physical therapist, I aspire to integrate evidence-based practice with empathetic patient-centered care while fostering strong communication skills and interdisciplinary collaboration. I am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of my patients, empowering them to achieve their functional goals and improve their overall quality of life. After graduation, I hope to enter the dynamic field of acute care or inpatient rehabilitation. I hope to find a workplace that encourages collaboration and mentorship, skill development, and exceptional patient care. As I start as a new physical therapist, I intend to hone in on my assessment and intervention skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. I aim to pursue certifications and specialized training opportunities focused on neurologic rehabilitation in order to enhance my proficiency in managing complex cases. As I progress in my career, I aspire to take on leadership roles and look forward to becoming a mentor to physical therapy students as a Clinical Instructor. Through dedication, passion, and a commitment to lifelong learning, I am confident in my ability to make meaningful contributions to the field while providing compassionate and effective care to patients in the acute care or inpatient rehabilitation setting.

Academic Career

• May 2022: B.S. in Neuroscience, B.S. in Psychology with minors in Integrated Health and Wellness and Adaptive Brain and Behavior, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
• August 2022-2025: Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Clinical Rotations:
    • FirstHealth Rehabilitation (Outpatient Ortho), Sanford, NC
    • UNC Center for Rehabilitation Care (Outpatient Neuro), Chapel Hill, NC
    • Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Acute Care), Winston Salem, NC
    • Novant Health New Hanover Rehab Hospital (Inpatient Neuro), Wilmington, NC
  • Electives:
    • Teacher Scholar (PHYT 727 – Motor Control & Motor Learning) (2024)
    • Advanced Orthopedic Assessment (2024)
    • Research Experience (ReGain Lab) with Dr. Mike Lewek (2024-2025)
    • Integrated Clinical Experience (UNC Faculty Clinic – Outpatient Neuro in Hillsborough, NC) (2025)
  • Capstone: 
    • Produced manuscript and presented research findings at the 2025 Human Movement Science Research Symposium with poster titled The Relationship Between Balance and Gait Characteristics in Parkinson Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.
  • Neuro STEP UP Scholar (2023-2025)
  • Social Media Chair for the Student Physical Therapy Association (2023 – 2024)
  • Aquatic Therapy Volunteer for community member with Multiple Sclerosis (2022 – 2023)
  • Graduate Research Assistant – ReGain Lab (Recovery of Gait and Neurorehabilitation Lab) (2025)

Examples of work

• Capstone poster and manuscript 
• Neuro Step UP Spring Journal Club Presentation
• Grand Rounds MS Case Study Presentation

Objectives and career plan

• July 2025: Take the NPTE and become a licensed physical therapist
• August 2025: Graduate from UNC DPT Program
• September 2025: Be employed in inpatient rehab or acute care
• 2026: Become a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS)
• 2028: Become a certified clinical instructor
• Continue to contribute to the UNC DPT program and Neuro STEP-UP scholarship through guest lectures, help for lab days, or mentorship

Interprofessional Education Activities (IPE): 

I have had numerous opportunities to work in interprofessional settings, which have greatly enriched my understanding of collaborative healthcare. Participating in an interprofessional geriatrics course, a neurologic case study meeting, and interdisciplinary clinics for conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease allowed me to deepen my knowledge of diverse diagnoses while gaining valuable insight into the role of physical therapy within the broader continuum of care. These experiences underscored the importance of clear, consistent communication among healthcare professionals and taught me how to effectively support and complement the work of other disciplines involved in a patient’s care. I particularly appreciated the collaborative opportunities to share perspectives and brainstorm with professionals from different backgrounds to determine the most effective plan of action for our patients.

Reflective statement and self assessment:  

Throughout my time in the UNC DPT program, I’ve experienced significant personal and professional growth across multiple areas. I have strengthened my communication skills, enabling me to navigate challenging conversations with patients, peers, and mentors with greater confidence and clarity. I’ve also become more effective in educating others and more receptive to feedback, incorporating it constructively into my practice. My clinical experiences have sharpened my adaptability and creativity, allowing me to respond calmly and effectively to unexpected changes in a patient’s condition or plan of care. I’ve learned to embrace vulnerability, recognizing the value in asking for help and collaborating with others. As a new physical therapist, I understand that there is still much to learn as I encounter new diagnoses, complex cases, and innovative treatment approaches. I’m excited to grow in this field and to draw on my strengths in empathy, adaptability, communication, and organization as I support and advocate for my patients.

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