DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement: 

As a graduating Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student, I aspire to become a skilled and compassionate pelvic floor physical therapist. Through my clinical experiences, I developed a strong interest in reproductive health, treating pelvic health conditions such as urgency, incontinence, and pelvic pain. My immediate goal is to begin practicing in a setting that offers mentorship in pelvic health, where I can continue to grow clinically while providing evidence-based, patient-centered care. I plan to pursue continuing education opportunities to expand my knowledge and clinical practice. Long-term, I aspire to expand access to pelvic health services, especially for underserved populations, and participate in advocacy work. I am dedicated to empowering individuals through improved pelvic function and quality of life.

Career Plan: 

Undergraduate Education: 

• Goucher College – Environmental Studies, Class of 2016 
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Class of 2025 

Clinical Experience: 

• Chatham Rehabilitation Services at Pittsboro, NC – Outpatient Pelvic Floor and Ortho (12 weeks) 
• Integrated Clinical Experience, UNC Therapy Services, Durham, NC – Outpatient Ortho (60 hours) 
• WakeMed Rehabilitation Hospital, NC – Inpatient Neuro Rehab (8 weeks) 
• Outpatient Novant Rehabilitation, NC – Outpatient Pelvic and Ortho (8 weeks) 
• Atrium Health Hospital, NC – Acute Care and Underserved, NC (8 weeks) 

Objectives: 

• Graduate with DPT in August 2025 
• Pass the NPTE in October 2025 
• Begin first PT job as a pelvic floor specialist 
• Obtain additional pelvic floor specific training: Colorectal Pelvic Health,  Men’s Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation, etc. 
• Obtain dry needling certification 
• Consider becoming board certified specialist through the ABPTS

Self Assessment: 

Strengths: 

• Communication with patients 
• Cultural competency 
• Willingness to learn 

Areas for Improvement: 

• Management of complex patients 
• Involvement in political and professional advocacy 
• Clinical research 

Strategies to Achieve Professional Goals: 

Electives: 

• PHYT 875 Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Intervention 
• PUBH 610 Spanish for Healthcare Professionals 
• PHYT 870 Integrated Clinical Experience: Outpatient Orthopedics with Sarah McAuliffe  

Certifications: 

• Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute: Pelvic Floor Function, Level 1, completed September 2025 

Justice Equity and Inclusion: 

While attending UNC Chapel Hill DPT, I have had many opportunities to participate in outreach and advocacy experiences in support of underserved communities. This has included volunteering for the first DPT Exploratory Day, an event focused on supporting college students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in Physical Therapy. I also had the opportunity to participate in a career fair at Hillside High School in Durham, representing UNC DPT’s program, providing information on the pathways to education; including clinical exposure, prerequisites, and mentorship opportunities. I also attended community building programs for minority identifying physical therapists to share barriers, experiences, and ideas in regards to representation within the field. Additionally, I have had the chance to volunteer at SHAC (Student Health Action Coalition), which offers health services to uninsured or underinsured individuals.  All of these experiences have solidified my commitment to providing inclusive care, promoting health literacy, and furthering representation within the profession. 

Interprofessional Education Activities: 

While attending UNC’s DPT program I have had the opportunity to work inter-professionally with a wide scope of other healthcare professionals. This includes OT, RN, SLP, social work, and dental students. Working alongside these other professions has provided me insight to the benefits of different approaches, specialties, and interventions. Building relationships and utilizing the knowledge of other professionals can promote evidence based, comprehensive, patient centered care. 

Attended Interprofessional Events: 

• IPE UNC Gilling’s Annual Women in Healthcare Leadership Symposium, Gilling’s School of Public Health – January 31st, 2025 
• IPEP Fall Fest, UNC Adams School of Dentistry – October 24, 2024 
• IPE Interprofessional Geriatrics Experience, GERO.IPE.SP 24 – February 1-2, 2024
• IPE Complex Neuro Case Study, Department of Allied Health Sciences at Bondurant Hall – November 8th, 2023 

Product Samples: 

 Capstone Project: Orthopedic Management of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction  – 1/28/2025

Inservice Presentation: Aquatic Physical Therapy for Patients with CVA – 6/12/2024 

Lymphedema Patient Handout: Lymphedema Treatment – 4/12/2024 

Certification  Pelvic Function Level 1, Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute – September 2024 

Reflective Statement: 

I have gained so many incredible experiences throughout my journey in UNC’s DPT school. PT school has provided me with the opportunity to merge my passions, incorporating the dynamic relationship between movement and reproductive health. My education has given me a strong foundation in understanding the need for evidence based, patient-centered, and comprehensive care. The academic coursework, clinical rotations, and interprofessional experiences required critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving skills. These are skills that I hope to continue to develop and apply to my clinical practice, ensuring that I promote inclusive practices. Exposure to a diversity of patients, settings, and environments has given me an appreciation for the value of adaptability and compassion in an evolving healthcare system. My passion for knowledge and people has only been bolstered by this experience and I look forward to what the future has in store. I am so thankful for this incredible privilege, and would like to thank all my mentors, advisors, C.I.s, faculty members, family, and friends for their continued support throughout PT school. 

 

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