DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement:

After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy, I plan to pursue a career working with the neurological patient population. I have a passion for treating individuals with balance impairments and functional mobility deficits, especially from conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and Post-Stroke recovery. I strive to leave a lasting impact on my patients’ lives by treating every patient with compassion and high-quality care with hopes of improving their overall quality of life as well as their functional capacity to participate in their everyday lives safely.

 

Career Plan:

Past Experiences:

• May 2022 : Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• August 2025: Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Clinical Experiences:
    • June 2023 – August 2023 (8 weeks): Outpatient Orthopedics – Kinetic Institute Physical Therapy, Sanford, NC
    • February 2024 – April 2024 (8 weeks): Outpatient Neurology – Carolinas Rehabilitation Atrium Health University City, Charlotte, NC
    • April 2024 – June 2024 (8 weeks): Acute Care, Emergency Department/Observation Service – UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC
    • January 2025-April 2025 (60 hours): Outpatient Neurology Integrated Clinical Experience – UNC UPT, Hillsborough, NC
    • May 2025 – July 2025 (12 weeks): Outpatient Neurology – UNC CRC, Chapel Hill, NC
  • Electives
    • Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Treatment
    • Older Adults: Theory & Practice
    • Integrated Clinical Experience Outpatient Neurology
  • Extra-Curricular Activities
    • Student Physical Therapy Association President: January 2023 – January 2024
    • International Sports Science Association Certified Personal Trainer

Future Goals:

• August 2025: Earn Doctorate of Physical Therapy from UNC Chapel Hill
• October 2025: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
• November 2025: Begin working with patients with neurological deficits (inpatient or outpatient)
• June 2026: Begin self-studying for NCS exam
• 2027: Pass NCS exam
• January 2028: Become a Clinical Instructor

 

Product Examples: 

• Capstone Materials
  • Parkinson’s Educational Booklet
  • Parkinson’s Freezing of Gait Handout
• ProNotes Business Plan

 

Self-Assessment:

Strengths:

• Developing rapport with patients
• Producing detailed, efficient documentation
• Collaboration with co-workers/clinicians from other disciplines
• Being confident in my clinical judgement skills

Areas for Professional Development:

• Increasing my knowledge of billing, insurance, and administrative details
• Familiarizing myself with current research and best practice guidelines
• Continuing to improve efficiency during patient care

 

Objectives:

• Graduate with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in August 2025
• Pass the NPTE boards and become a licensed physical therapist
• Obtain employment as a neurologic physical therapist
• Self-study and pass NCS exam
• Become a clinical instructor

 

Specific Strategies:

• Prepare for the board exam by enrolling in a board review course, taking practice NPTE exams, and review course material
• Seek a job that allows me to work with the neurologic population
• Find a mentoring clinician and maintain relationships with clinical instructors and faculty
• Create a study plan to achieve my goal of obtaining my NCS

 

Interprofessional Education Activities (IPE):

I have been fortunate to engage in numerous interdisciplinary collaborations throughout my time in the DPT program. I had the opportunity to participate in an interprofessional geriatric healthcare case study, interdisciplinary clinics focused on Parkinson’s Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and completed a 16-week course on older adults through the School of Social Work. These experiences provided me with valuable insights into the importance of interdisciplinary care. They highlighted how collaboration and consistent communication across disciplines are essential to delivering the highest quality care for our patients.

 

Reflective Statement:

My journey through the physical therapy program has been one of profound growth both personally and professionally. One of the most transformative aspects has been the development of my communication skills. I’ve learned how to navigate tough conversations with patients and families, approach sensitive topics with empathy, and provide clear, effective education tailored to everyone’s needs. Beyond communication, this journey has fostered other key areas of professional growth: I’ve become more adaptable in clinical settings, more confidence in interdisciplinary collaboration, and more attuned to the importance of patient-centered care. The experiences I’ve had in this program have shaped me into a thoughtful, compassionate, and evidence-driven physical therapist, prepared to advocate for and serve my patients at the highest level.

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