Mar 28 2025
Palmer, Blake
Professional goal statement
Upon earning my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and becoming a licensed clinician, my goal is to provide high-quality, patient-centered care that leaves a lasting, positive impact on every individual I work with. I am especially drawn to the dynamic and collaborative nature of acute care, where I can support patients and their families during some of their most vulnerable moments. In this fast-paced environment, I aim to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care while also being a steady, uplifting presence. I believe that healing can be grounded in both clinical excellence and human connection, so I hope to be a reminder that even in serious moments, life can still be light-hearted and joyful. I am committed to lifelong learning through mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuing education. Ultimately, I strive to be a clinician who helps patients not only recover physically, but also feel seen, supported, and encouraged throughout their journey.
Career plan
May 2022: Graduated from the The University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Minor in Hispanic Studies
August 2022 – August 2025: Doctor of Physical Therapy, UNC Chapel Hill (anticipated graduation August 2025)
Clinical Experience
- UNC Ambulatory Care Center (Chapel Hill, NC)
Outpatient Orthopedics – 8 weeks - Duke Regional Hospital (Durham, NC)
Acute Care – 8 weeks - Atrium Health Cabarrus (Concord, NC)
Pediatrics – 8 weeks - Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center – Main (Charlotte, NC)
Acute Care – 12 weeks
Electives
- Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Treatment, Fall 2024
- Teaching Scholar: Musculoskeletal II, Fall 2024
- Faculty Mentor: Sarah McAuliffe, PT, DPT
- Advanced Neuromuscular Intervention, Spring 2024
- Integrated Clinical Experience (60 hours): Outpatient Orthopedics, Fall 2024
- University Physical Therapy with Jeff O’Laughlin, PT, DPT
Examples of Work
- The purpose of my capstone is to identify predictors of success for surgical versus conservative management of meniscal tears in adults. It also aims to develop evidence-based educational resources and treatment plans to support clinicians in making informed, patient-centered decisions.
Teaching Assistant Research: Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Evaluation Template
- This handout was created to support students in effectively evaluating elbow, wrist, and hand injuries by providing a clear, organized reference for clinical assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. It is designed to enhance learning, improve clinical reasoning, and build confidence in managing common upper extremity conditions.
Future Plans and Objectives
- July 2025: Pass NPTE and obtain PT licensure
- August 2025: Graduate from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy
- August – October 2025: Search for an acute care job ideally in a large hospital or children’s hospital setting.
- October 2025 – 2026: Develop strong acute care skills and continue volunteering in my community.
- October 2026 – 2028: Obtain my Neurologic Clinical Specialist or Geriatric Clinical Specialist. Develop clinical teaching skills to be an effective clinical instructor to aspiring physical therapists.
- October 2028 and beyond: Explore Physical Therapy teaching positions on the East Coast.
Strategies to Achieve Objectives
- My action plan is to create a structured 3-month study schedule using resources such as Scorebuilders, PEAT, and Final Frontier.
- I plan to tailor my resume and cover letter for acute care roles, attend virtual and in-person career fairs, and reach out to mentors, UNC alumni, and former clinical instructors for networking and potential job leads.
- I plan to attend at least three hospital in-services or continuing education workshops, and find one volunteer opportunity that allows me to remain involved in community service, such as pro bono work or local health fairs.
- My goal is to build a strong network of academic professionals by attending APTA Education Section events and contributing as a guest lecturer. I will continue to refine my teaching abilities and explore opportunities to earn a teaching certificate or complete coursework in higher education, positioning myself to transition into academia in the future.
Self-assessment
Strengths:
- Positive outlook and ability to bring lightness into challenging situations
- Strong rapport-building skills with patients and caregivers
- Creative approach to treatment planning and problem-solving
- Compassionate and patient-centered care
- Flexible and able to adapt to various clinical settings
- Effective team player in interdisciplinary environments
- Clear and empathetic communicator
Areas for Professional Development:
- Build greater confidence in clinical decision-making
- Learn how to push patients appropriately while maintaining trust and rapport
- Increase advocacy for physical therapy through policy and professional engagement
- Continue gaining exposure to a wider range of diagnoses and clinical presentations
- Literature consumption
Interprofessional Education Activities (IPE)
Throughout PT school, my interprofessional education experiences have been some of the most impactful and rewarding parts of my education. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with students in occupational therapy, dentistry, nursing, and medicine, both in the classroom and in clinical settings. These interactions helped me understand how different disciplines approach patient care, and how our combined knowledge can lead to better outcomes. Whether it was discussing discharge planning with nurses, coordinating treatment sessions with OTs, or understanding how dental health impacts systemic health from dental students, I learned that strong communication and mutual respect are key to effective teamwork. One of the most important lessons I’ve taken away is that physical therapists must also advocate for our profession and clearly communicate our role, as it is not always fully understood by others. These IPE experiences have not only strengthened my clinical reasoning and collaboration skills but also reinforced my belief that patients receive the most holistic, effective care when all healthcare providers work together as a team. As I move forward in my career, I hope to foster and contribute to environments that prioritize interprofessional collaboration.
Reflective Statement
Completing the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at UNC Chapel Hill has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Looking back on the journey, I am humbled by the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced over the past three years. I entered this program eager to help people through movement, but I quickly learned that physical therapy is so much more than exercise prescription or manual skills. It is about compassion, clinical reasoning, advocacy, and lifelong learning. The faculty at UNC challenged me to think critically, reflect deeply, and stay grounded in evidence-based practice while also honoring the human side of healthcare. My clinical rotations exposed me to a wide variety of patients and settings, each one shaping my ability to adapt, collaborate, and provide patient-centered care. I am especially grateful for the chance to work closely with mentors and classmates who have inspired me with their dedication and heart. One of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned is that our profession does not just treat impairments, it empowers people. As I move forward into clinical practice, I will carry with me the values of empathy, curiosity, and collaboration that were nurtured during my time at UNC. I am excited to continue growing, to contribute meaningfully to the physical therapy profession, and to advocate for equitable care in every community I serve.
A big thank you to the UNC DPT Class of 2025 for making this journey meaningful and memorable. From long study days to shared laughs, we’ve supported each other through it all. As we step into the next chapter, let’s keep making a difference, stay connected, and remember to enjoy the ride.
Proud of all your growth and learning in the program! Moreover, I’m excited for all the opportunities ahead of you as you take the next steps in your PT journey. Congratulations!
Blake- Congrats to you! You have accomplished a lot. I am excited to see where you end up and I know you will continue to do well as you care for your patients. Good luck! Lisa