DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement 

As a physical therapist, my professional goal is to provide evidence-based, compassionate, and patient-centered care that empowers individuals to achieve their highest functional potential. I aim to continually grow as a clinician through lifelong learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and reflection. I have a strong passion for working in settings that prioritize early recovery for medically complex patients, such as acute care and inpatient rehabilitation, where timely intervention can significantly influence long-term outcomes and help prevent lasting functional decline. These settings will allow me to support patients and their families during some of the most critical and vulnerable stages of healing. I am especially excited to continuously show patients how incredible and resilient their bodies are and to educate others on the importance of caring for their physical health. Every day presents an opportunity to be an educator, not only teaching about movement, exercise, and recovery, but also empowering individuals with the knowledge and confidence to take ownership of their well-being. One of the most rewarding aspects of this profession is being able to celebrate each gain, no matter how small, alongside my patients, recognizing progress as a shared victory and a step toward renewed independence.  Through advocacy, education, and leadership, I also aspire to contribute to the advancement of the physical therapy profession and promote health equity within the communities I serve.

Academic Career

• May 2021: B.A in Psychology- Florida International University, Miami, FL
• August 2022-2025: Doctor of Physical Therapy- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
  • Involved in Student Physical Therapy Association (SPTA)
    • January- December 2023: Held role as Vice President
  • Clinical Experiences
    • June-August 2023: NC Center for Physical Therapy- Durham, NC (outpatient orthopedics)
    • February-April 2024: Mission Hospital- Asheville, NC (acute care)
    • April-June 2024: Abilitations Children’s Therapy- Raleigh, NC (outpatient pediatrics)
    • May-July 2025: UNC Hillsborough Campus- Hillsborough, NC (acute inpatient rehabilitation)
  • Electives
    • Fall 2024
      • PHYT 875: Advanced Orthopedic Assessment
      • PHYT 880: Child and Family Assessment & Intervention
    • Spring 2025
      • PHYT 874: Topics in Sports Physical Therapy
  • Capstone Project
    • Developed an educational module on the topic of Intensive Care Unit- Acquired Weakness (ICU-AW) to be implemented into the Cardiopulmonary Course for first-year DPT students. The presentation emphasized evidence-based strategies for assessment, prevention, and management, with a focus on early mobility and interdisciplinary care across the continuum.

Self-Assessment 

Strengths 

• Compassionate and Empathetic
• Challenge Driven
• Strong Communication
• Collaboration with Team
• Cultural Competence
• Dedication to Lifelong Learning

Areas for Professional Growth 

• Confidence in clinical decision making with high-complexity patients
• Clinical documentation efficiency
• Developing a professional niche or specialty
• Expanding technological fluency, specifically with new rehabilitation tools.
• Staying up-to-date with evidence-based practice
• Delegation and setting boundaries

Career Plan 

• July 2025: Take and pass the NPTE.
• August 2025: Graduate and obtain licensure.
• Fall 2025:
  • Secure a position in acute care or inpatient rehab within a healthcare system in or surrounding the triangle area.
  • Initiate mentorship relationships in my facility or through APTA sections.
• Early 2026: Begin taking continuing education courses related to my interests and the patient populations I hope to work closely with (cardiovascular, neurology, ICU-level patients, etc.)
• 2026-2027
  • If in the acute care setting, progressively transition into the ICU with a focus on working in the cardiac and/or neurologic ICU floors.
  • Explore opportunities to work PRN in an inpatient rehab setting (if not already employed in that setting) to maintain and expand skills across the continuum of care.
• 2027-2028
  • Explore specialization and board certification.
  • Engage in academic teaching by serving as a guest lecturer at local DPT programs.

Products

• Capstone: Intensive Care Unit- Acquired Weakness Presentation/Voicethread

Interprofessional Education Activities (IPE) 

Throughout my time in the program, I had the opportunity to engage in multiple interprofessional experiences that have significantly influenced my development as a future physical therapist. Within these experiences, I have learned the importance of communication, role clarity, and mutual respect within an interdisciplinary team, which also centers around clear coordination and flexibility. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the different ways disciplines approach patient care and how our roles can overlap in ways that complement one another to meet patients’ unique goals. I now recognize that being an effective team member goes beyond knowing my role. It involves listening actively, asking informed questions, and creating space for other professionals to contribute. When patients see us working together with a unified plan, their trust in the healthcare system deepens, and their care becomes more holistic and meaningful. These experiences also affirmed my passion for working in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings where interdisciplinary care is not just helpful, but essential. In these fast-paced, medically complex environments, patients depend on seamless coordination of care among professionals to stabilize, recover, and regain function. Whether it’s working with respiratory therapists to mobilize in the ICU, or collaborating with case managers and physicians in inpatient rehab to support patients’ safe discharge plan, strong interprofessional collaboration is key. Moving forward, I will actively seek opportunities to build trust and communication across disciplines. I will advocate for collaborative care planning, ensure I understand the roles and responsibilities of my teammates, and prioritize patient-centered goals through a shared decision-making process.

Reflective Statement

As I near the end of my journey at UNC’s PT program, I find myself reflecting on how much I have grown, both personally and professionally. Entering the program, I had a basic understanding of what it meant to be a physical therapist, but through rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and meaningful interactions with patients, clinical instructors, and professors, that understanding has deepened into a true sense of purpose. When I first started PT school, I imagined myself working in an outpatient orthopedic setting. However, through my learning and clinical experiences, my perspective shifted significantly. I discovered a deep appreciation for the complexity, collaboration, and meaningful impact that occurs in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings. I now find great value in being part of a team that supports patients and their family members through some of the most critical and vulnerable phases of their recovery. I feel that I have not only gained the foundational skills to be an effective clinician but also the confidence, critical thinking, and adaptability necessary to care for individuals in a constantly evolving healthcare environment. Looking ahead, I see myself continuing to develop my clinical expertise in inpatient settings. I plan to pursue mentorship, complete continuous education courses, and perhaps pursue specialization in neurology, cardiovascular, or acute care rehabilitation. I am also passionate about being an educator, not only to patients, but to future PT students, colleagues, and community members. This program has helped shape my clinical identity and prepared me well for the road ahead. I’m proud of the growth I’ve experienced and excited to continue becoming the physical therapist I’ve always hoped to be, even if the path looks different from what I once imagined.

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