DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement

After graduating with my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and securing licensure as a physical therapist, I intend to specialize in serving patients with neurological diagnoses within acute inpatient rehabilitation or outpatient settings in Knoxville, Tennessee. While at UNC, I was able to participate in multiple opportunities that have reinforced my passion in working with patients with neurological conditions. I have been able to work with various individuals in the community including being a Rock Steady Boxing Coach for individuals with Parkinson Disease, and I have had the privilege of being recognized to participate in the UNC Neuro STEP UP program where I received specialized training for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions. Assisting this population in reaching their goals and increasing their participation in meaningful activities is truly a blessing. I aspire to be a clinician who emphasizes patient-centered care and evidence-based practice, continuously enhancing my skills to effectively serve my community.

 

Career Plan

• Past Accomplishments:
  • Bachelor’s of Kinesiology (Minor: Biological Sciences), University of Tennessee Knoxville (2018-2022)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (2022-2025)
  • Completion of UNC Neuro STEP UP Scholars Program (2023-2025)
  • Recognition as a Distinguished Interprofessional Education and Practice Scholar (2025)
• Clinical Experiences:
  • Central Carolina Hospital | Outpatient Orthopedics, Sanford NC (2023)
  • UNC Hospital | Acute Care, Chapel Hill NC (2024)
  • UNC Center for Rehabilitation Care | Outpatient Neurology, Chapel Hill NC (2024)
  • Integrated Clinical Experience Elective | Outpatient Neurology, Chapel Hill, NC (2025)
  • Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation | Inpatient Rehab, Spinal Cord Injury, Charlotte, NC (2025)
• Electives:
  • Advanced Orthopedic Assessment and Intervention
  • Teacher Scholar, Neuromuscular Assessment and Intervention I
  • Research Experience, ReGAIN Lab
  • Integrated Clinical Experience, Outpatient Neurology
• Extra-Curricular Experiences:
  • Allied Health Ambassadors (2022-2025)
    • Former Executive Leadership Role (Secretary) and active participant
  • Student Physical Therapy Association (2022-2025)
    • Community Service Co-Chair (2023-2024)
  • Community Involvement
    • Facilitated aquatic exercise with community dwelling individual diagnosed with MS (2022-2023)
    • Rock Steady Boxing Coach for individuals with Parkinson Disease (2024-2025)
  • Interprofessional Education and Practice (2022-2025)
    • President of Department of Health Sciences IPEP Student Group
    • Representative of Department of Health Sciences for IPEP Student Elective Committee
    • Recognition as UNC IPEP Distinguished Scholar (2025)
  • UNC DPT Tutoring Program (2024)
    • Driving force behind initiation of UNC DPT Tutoring Program to support students connect and understand material, make connections between DPT classes, and encourage a safe environment for questions/continued education
  • UNC Neuro STEP UP Scholars Program (2023-2025)
    • Further training in treating individuals with neurodegenerative conditions, specifically Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amylolytic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson Disease (PD)
    • Participation in multidisciplinary clinics including Muscular Dystrophy, MS, ALS, PD, Atypical PD, and Long Covid
    • Connection with various physical therapists in the surrounding area through the VLT program

 

Self-Assessment

• Strengths
  • Holistic patient-centered care
  • Adaptability
  • Professionalism
  • Patient communication/building rapport
  • Interprofessional collaboration and practice
  • Leadership
• Areas for Professional Development
  • Knowledge of patient resources locally and nationally
  • Continually updating myself on current evidence-based practice to incorporate into practice
  • Expanding knowledge of interventions

 

Professional Objectives

• Graduate with my Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill NC in August 2025
• Pass National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) in July 2025
• Obtain employment in neurologic rehabilitation by September 2025
• Take the NCS Exam (Goal: 2027)
• Become a clinical instructor (Goal: 2028)
• Become an educator of anatomy/within PT (Goal: 2030)

 

Specific Strategies to Obtain Objectives

• Prepare for the NPTE in July by utilizing a daily study plan
• Establish involvement with APTA Tennessee and neurological physical therapists in Knoxville
• Obtain employment in a neurological setting that contains structure for learning and mentorship
• Seek continuing education courses for my weaknesses to foster growth as a clinician
• Remain open to ideas and opportunities that may present themselves
• Continue to be involved in the Neuro STEP UP program as a VLT member

 

Capstone Project

Research, data collection, and data analysis completed to determine the potential relationship between measures of balance and spatiotemporal aspect of gait for individuals with mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s Disease. Through this project, an abstract, manuscript, and research poster presentation were produced. The abstract and manuscript are to be submitted for publication.

Capstone Manuscript

HMSC Poster Balance and Gait Measures for PD

 

Products from Program

Fall Neuro STEP-UP Journal Club

Final Evidence Based Practice CAT

Patient Guide to RPE Inservice

DHS IPEP End of the Year Celebration Poster

Neuro STEP UP Rounds Presentation

 

Interprofessional Education and Practice (IPEP)

Interprofessional education and practice (IPEP) has been integral to my journey at UNC, shaping not only my understanding of patient-centered care but also my commitment to advocating for its essential role in our healthcare system. I have actively sought opportunities to immerse myself in interprofessional collaboration, strengthening the presence of IPEP within the Department of Health Sciences and within my physical therapy cohort. Additionally, I have dedicated my time to the Student Executive Committee (SEC) to promote engagement across disciplines on the graduate campus. My efforts have gone beyond required commitments, culminating in my distinction as an IPEP Distinguished Scholar—a recognition that affirms my dedication to elevating the role of interprofessional practice within our healthcare system.

Through my involvement in IPEP initiatives, I have come to appreciate the profound impact that collaboration among healthcare professionals has on patient outcomes and experiences. As physical therapists, we are just one component of a much larger system, working alongside physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and many others—each bringing unique expertise that contributes to holistic patient care. This realization has reinforced that it is not necessary to have all the answers; rather, it is about fostering connections and ensuring patients have access to the best possible resources to support their recovery and well-being. As healthcare continues to evolve, I believe that it is critical that physical therapists embrace collaboration as a means of delivering comprehensive, evidence-based care. By working together, we not only improve patient outcomes but also cultivate a more cohesive and informed healthcare environment that prioritizes shared learning and mutual respect among professionals. IPEP has strengthened my ability to view patient care through a broader lens, reinforcing the importance of teamwork, communication, and interdisciplinary problem-solving—all of which are essential to ensuring optimal recovery and support for those we serve.

 

Justice, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)

Throughout my time in the UNC program, I have engaged in meaningful experiences and facilitated discussions centered on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). These interactions have highlighted three key principles that I strive to integrate into my physical therapy practice. First, kindness is a foundational aspect for building trust and fostering a supportive environment for patients. By approaching every individual and each situation with empathy and compassion, I hope to create a space where my patient feels valued and understood. Second, active listening plays a crucial role in patient-centered care. By attentively engaging with my patients’ concerns, thoughts, and feelings, I aim to try to understand their unique perspectives and needs. Through active listening, we can ultimately enhance our patients’ rehabilitation journey. Lastly, I aim to advocate for my patients to ensure they receive the care and resources they need. During my clinical rotations, I have been blessed to be surrounded by therapists that go above and beyond to guarantee patients are equipped with the resources they need to be successful in their rehabilitation and remain successful after discharge. Whether it is navigating our complex healthcare system or addressing disparities in healthcare, we need to dedicate time to ensure all patients are receiving the best quality care. These guiding principles help shape my approach as a healthcare professional and strengthen my commitment to equitable and compassionate care.

 

Reflection

My time in the UNC Doctor of Physical Therapy program has been a transformative journey, fostering both personal and professional growth in many ways. Through coursework, hands-on experiences, and lively discussions with facility and classmates, I have grown into a more confident and capable physical therapist—one who values evidence-based practice, teamwork, and advocacy for holistic care. I have strengthened my ability to navigate challenging conversations with patients and coworkers allowing me to approach interactions with greater confidence and clarity. My clinical experiences enhanced my adaptability and clinical knowledge, teaching me how to respond effectively to unexpected changes. I have explored interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing that not knowing every answer and asking others for help or advice is not a weakness, but a way to strengthen our healthcare system and deliver high-quality care. As I step into this career, I am excited to continue to shape my skillset and my perspective on what it means to be a thoughtful, impactful, collaborative, and effective healthcare professional. I am eager to continue to growth and make meaningful contributions to the field and to the patients I will serve.

Comments RSS