DPT Portfolios

Professional Statement

Upon graduation from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I aspire to specialize in sports rehabilitation and work directly with high level athletes and performers. With the intention of applying research-based methods and interventions, I plan on providing patient centered care that will not only allow them to return to their respected sport in a timely manner, but exceed their previous level of function. Whether it’s rehabilitating an injury, enhancing athletic performance, or implementing preventive strategies, I strive to empower athletes with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed both on and off the field. With that being said, I plan on pursuing an orthopedic or sports residency program to further advance my clinical knowledge and skillset. Prior to applying to residency programs, I aim to obtain my Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification. This will allow me to combine rehabilitation and performance-based strategies in my practice, helping patients recover efficiently and reach their full potential as effectively as possible. 

Career plan

Education:

• California State University, Los Angeles | B.S Exercise Science | Class of 2020
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Doctorate of Physical Therapy | Class of 2025

Clinical Education:

• Clinical Affiliation I 
  • UNC-CH Main Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC 
  • Setting: Acute Care on the Oncology, Women’s Specialty Unit, Neuroscience, and Bone Marrow Unit
• Clinical Affiliation II 
  • Brunswick Physical Therapy Associates, Southport, NC 
  • Setting: Outpatient Orthopedics, Rural/Underserved Population
• Clinical Affiliation III
  • Atrium Health Pineville Rehabilitation Hospital, Pineville, NC
  • Setting: Inpatient Rehabilitation 
• Integrated Clinical Experience Elective (ICE), Durham, NC 
  • Setting: Outpatient Orthopedics (60 hours)
• Clinical Affiliation IV
  • Raleigh Orthopedic Performance Center, Raleigh, NC 
  • Setting: Outpatient Sports

Self-Assessment

Areas of strength:

• Ability to establish a strong rapport with patients of all ages and backgrounds
• Continuously seeking feedback from peers and/or mentors to improve my abilities as a clinician
• Openness to constructive feedback 
• Exercise prescription along with creative strategies for progressions, regressions, and cueing 

Areas that need further development:

• Staying up to date with the latest evidence-based research 
• Time management skills to achieve a better work-life balance 
• Increasing participation in various outreach/volunteer programs that provide community services for areas outside of sports and orthopedics
• Shadowing other sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, and other strength and conditioning coaches to obtain a better understanding of the performance component of rehabilitation  

Objectives 

• Graduate with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Pass the NPTE licensure exam 
• Obtain a position at an outpatient clinic that specializes in treating high level athletes/performers
• Become a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist 
• Apply for and complete an SCS or OCS residency 
• Work directly with a professional/collegiate sports team as the head physical therapist
• Become a certified clinical instructor or attain a mentorship role for students and newly licensed physical therapists

Timeline/Strategies

• Utilize the Final Frontier study plan to prepare for the NPTE exam in July 
• Apply for and obtain a position at an outpatient sports clinic
• Study for the CSCS examination each week in order to obtain my certification by mid-January 2026. 
• Attend various continuing education courses to expand my knowledge as a clinician. 

Interprofessional Education Activities (IPE)

Collaborating with students from other healthcare disciplines during the case discussions was an invaluable learning experience. These interactions sparked meaningful discussions and exposed me to new perspectives I hadn’t previously considered. While going through various case studies, as a physical therapy student, I naturally focus on a patient’s functional impairments related to mobility and strength. In contrast, students from other fields approached the same cases from entirely different angles, often prioritizing other aspects of care. These experiences highlight the value of holistic, interdisciplinary care to ensure that patients receive well-rounded support that addresses all dimensions of their health, not just a single facet. 

As someone aspiring to work in the sports realm of physical therapy, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for how the concept of a “team” not only includes the players, but it also encompasses the network of coaches and healthcare professionals who work collaboratively to optimize an athlete’s performance and well-being. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of attending Duke’s Annual Sports Medicine Baseball Symposium, where we had a diverse lineup of orthopedic surgeons, sports physicians, physical therapists, and performance coaches share their expertise and experiences regarding a wide range of topics, including surgical techniques, injury management, as well as in-season and off-season training protocols. They heavily emphasized the importance of clear communication across all levels of the multidisciplinary team to ensure a unified, collaborative approach to athlete care. Each member brings specialized expertise, offering unique insights that contribute to the comprehensive care and success of the athletes.

Product Examples

• Capstone Presentation: “BFR Training: Implementation and Impact on Patient Outcomes”
• Capstone Patient Handout
• Topic in Sports PT Presentation: “Utilizing BFR as Treatment for Lateral Epicondylitis”

Self-Reflection

Before starting this program, I was really nervous about moving across the country to a new state, knowing I would be far from family and friends without a support system nearby. In addition to acclimating to a new environment, I had little idea what life as a PT student would be like or the kind of person I would become by the end of it all. Looking back on the past three years here at UNC, I can confidently say that moving here was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. This journey has taught me more than I ever imagined, both academically and personally. Not only have I gained a deeper understanding of our field, but more importantly, I have learned a great deal about myself and the kind of person I strive to be. This program has brought me some of my closest friends and allowed me to form meaningful connections with faculty members whom I feel comfortable turning to for guidance and mentorship. Although there were many challenging moments, the highs far outweighed the lows. I am grateful for the experiences that pushed me to grow both as a student and as a person. It forced me to strengthen my time management skills, encouraged me to ask for help when I needed it, and at the end, prepared me to become a more independent clinician. 

To my classmates, as we round out these final weeks before graduation, I’m excited to say that we’ve made it! I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished and how far we have come together. I wish you all the best of luck! 

Comments RSS