DPT Portfolios

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Physical Therapy Doctoral Portfolio

Professional Goal Statement

Upon Graduating with my Doctorate of Physical Therapy and passing my licensure exam I plan to obtain a job at an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic. My professional  philosophy for treating patients is to provide patient centered care, supported by evidence based practices and utilizing feedback from mentors,  colleagues and patients to further  adapt to the needs of the patient population I’m treating. I will continue to be involved in community outreach programs to assist those in underserved areas.  I intend to further my clinical practices by obtaining certifications that will benefit patient outcomes.   As I further  my clinical experience and grow, I plan to take on leadership roles increasing my responsibilities in the clinic.

Academic Career

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sports Science,  Minors in Coaching Education and Health & Society – December 2021
• Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Interest in Outpatient Orthopedics- August 2025

Clinical Experiences

• June 2023-August 2023 (8 weeks): Outpatient Orthopedics–Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy, Havelock, NC
• February 2024-April 2024 (8 weeks): State Residential and Short-term Healthcare Facility–Murdoch Developmental Center, Butner, NC
• April 2024-June 2024 (8 weeks): Acute Care (Trauma and Orthopedic Unit)– UNC Main Hospital, Chapel Hill NC
• May 2025-July 2025 (12 weeks): Outpatient Orthopedics and Aquatic Therapy–Duke Physical and Occupational Therapy, Durham NC

Electives

• Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Treatment- Fall 2024
• Intergraded Clinical Experience in Outpatient Orthopedics- Fall 2024
  • Mentor: Tyler Myers PT, DPT
• Topics in Sports Physical Therapy-  Spring 2025
• North Carolina Service Learning Trip – Spring 2025

Future Plans/Objectives 

August- December 2025:

• Graduate with Doctorate of Physical Therapy from UNC-Chapel Hill
• Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and gain licensure in the state of North Carolina
• Obtain a full-time job in a Outpatient Orthopedic setting
  • Establish a Mentor for patient caseload
• Become a Coach for Recreational Soccer League

Within 5 Years

• Explore CEUs and attend conferences focused in Physical Therapy fields of Sports and Orthopedics
• Become Certified in Dry Needling and Strength and Conditioning
• Become Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics

Examples of Work

Capstone Project

The concept and framework surrounding participation among individuals with disabilities is one that is not fully understood in literature. The framework of the ICF model provides a foundation for participation but is too narrow to encompass the multidimensional aspects of participation in children with disabilities.There is little information on what constitutes participation and how physical therapists can further community participation in the pediatric population. Though articles have been published on factors influencing participation and their effects, few studies have investigated how to enhance and track community participation in pediatric populations. Physical therapists working alongside families and youth with disabilities will be able to provide assistance that promotes learning, community participation, and independence. This presentation will provide an evidence-based approach to assessing and tracking community participation as it relates to youth with disabilities. We will discuss how literature defines participation and how community participation can benefit children with disabilities.

Presentation

Resource Guide

Quiz for CEU

NC Service Learning Trip Project

• The project in which I was co-leader of was regarding Future Career and Goal planning and Mental Health Education. We spoke to a group of 37 high school sophomores on the importance of future planning and mental health including the distinction between mental health and mental illness. We included various handouts of educational resources, self-reflection activities, SMART goal and budgeting sheets as well as strategies for caring for one’s mental health. The intended activities were to encourage a reduction in negative stigma surrounding mental health and encourage students to reach out for support.

North Carolina Department of Human and Health Services Hot Topics Article

Future Career Planning

• College Educational Handout
• Personality Career Handout
• Budget Worksheet
• SMART Goals Worksheet

Mental Health

• Positive Affirmations
• Mindfulness Information
  • Mindfulness
• Deep Breathing Exercises

Self-Assessment

Strengths:

• Strive for continued educational opportunities and professional growth
• Professional Adaptability
• Ability to build Patient-Therapist Relationships
• Knowledge on evidence based practices

Areas for Professional Development:

• Confidence in Clinical Reasoning for Complex Patient Cases
• Competence in private and government insurance billing, plan of care, and reimbursement

 Specific Strategies

• Complete study plan and practice examinations for NPTE
• Continue to stay up on evidence based practices and certifications
• Maintain APTA membership
• Continue pursuing professional relationships with previous clinical instructors, faculty members, and colleagues
• Advocate for Physical Therapy Profession through community involvement and collaboration with various healthcare disciplines

Interprofessional Education Activities (IPE) 

I have collaborated with a diverse range of healthcare disciplines during my clinical experiences, participation in IPEP events, and service learning trip. The experiences I have had with other professions have been positive as they build my knowledge of their field and assist in planning a patients care. I have gained a greater perspective of other profession responsibilities and how I can work alongside them in medical fields. The professions I have collaborated with included dentistry, social work, public health, audiology, occupational therapy, radiology, pharmacy, Administration, assistive technology specialists, audiology, CNAs, speech therapy, dietitians, psychologists, and recreation specialists.

Reflective Statement

My time throughout this program has continuously challenged me to adapt as an individual. I have gained skills as a clinician that will serve me well in my professional career and have strived  and overcome obstacles both personally and professionally. My experience and exposure to underserved areas have shaped my ability to relate and interact with patients providing quality care despite their circumstances. I have acquired skills throughout the program and my clinical experiences which allow me to reach individuals from various backgrounds as well as treat diverse patient populations. My professional goal is to be a well rounded generalist clinician in the outpatient setting. I believe serving in outreach programs and advocating for patient care is a core to my personal philosophy as a physical therapist. I plan to continue treating with a patient centered approach while furthering my learning in evidence based practices. I appreciate everything the DPT program has contributed to my success as a clinician.

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