DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement

My primary goal is to become a skilled and knowledgeable clinician in the field of neurological rehabilitation who continuously seeks growth and remains dedicated to providing patient-centered, evidence-based care. I am particularly drawn to working in an inpatient rehabilitation or outpatient neurological setting, where I can deliver comprehensive care that supports patients in regaining function and independence. A significant component of PT care that I am passionate about is education and the ability to empower patients to take an active role in their rehabilitation. This commitment to education also extends to my professional goals. I hope to serve as a clinical educator, supporting the development of physical therapy students in a real-world setting and helping shape the next generation of practitioners. However, when considering long-term career goals, I am interested in potentially contributing to the growing body of research in the field of physical therapy to deepen my understanding of patient care and support advancements in the examination and treatment of neurological patients. I am also exploring the possibility of pursuing a teaching role at a nearby university, where I could share knowledge, inspire future therapists, and support the profession through teaching and mentorship.

Career Plan

Education

B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics  |  North Carolina State University  |  May 2021

Doctorate in Physical Therapy  |  University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill  |  August 2025

Clinical Experiences

Outpatient Orthopedic Spine Specialty  |  Craven PT and Spine, New Bern, NC  (8 weeks)

Inpatient Rehabilitation  |  Wake Forest Baptist Sticht Center, Winston-Salem, NC  (8 weeks)

Acute Care Neurology/Neurosurgery  |  UNC Main Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC  (8 weeks)

Outpatient Neurological  | Drayer Physical Therapy Institute, Raleigh, NC  (12 weeks)

Electives & Extra-Curriculars

Teaching Assistant for PHYT 730 Kinesiology and Biomechanics (Fall 2024)

• Faculty: Dr. Michael Lewek, PT, PhD
• Independently prepared and taught 2 hr lecture on Pathological Gait
• Performed >60 hours of 1-on-1 tutoring with DPT1 students

Research Elective (Fall 2024, Spring 2025)

• Advisor: Dr. Michael Lewek, PT, PhD
• Completed abstract, poster, and research manuscript for independent project
• Independently presented findings of research at 2025 Human Movement Science Symposium

Student Physical Therapy Association Executive Board Secretary (January 2023-January 2024)

• Organized executive board documents, accounts, and communications to support smooth operations and timely follow-up on action items.
• Collaborated with the executive board to plan events, manage logistics, and help achieve annual organizational goals.

Graduate Research Assistant in PREVAIL Lab (Spring-Summer 2024)

• Conducted patient phone interviews for clinical research and accurately transcribed and organized qualitative data in compliance with confidentiality and HIPAA regulations.

Self-Assessment

Strengths 

Patient-Centered Care. I consistently prioritize the individual needs and goals of each patient when developing plans of care, while building strong relationships through active listening, empathy, and shared decision-making.

Evidence-Based Practice. I strive to integrate current research into my daily practice by routinely seeking out and applying relevant literature to guide interventions and support clinical reasoning.

Professionalism. I demonstrate a high level of accountability, reliability, and integrity in all professional settings.

Patient Education. I effectively communicate complex medical and rehabilitation information in a clear, relatable way to empower patients and families.

Areas for Professional Development 

Intervention Techniques. I will continue to expand my clinical toolbox by exploring innovative treatment strategies through continuing competence and other resources.

Evaluation and Treatment of Complex Patient Cases. Deepen my clinical reasoning and confidence when managing patients with multifactorial or medically complex presentations by seeking mentorship, advanced training, and reflective practice.

Involvement in Community and National Professional Activities. Increase my engagement with professional organizations and community outreach to broaden my understanding of healthcare systems, contribute to advocacy efforts, and stay connected with advancements in the field.

Objectives

• Take NPTE and obtain PT licensure (July 2025)
• Begin work as a physical therapist in an inpatient rehabilitation or outpatient neurological setting with a focus on patients with neurological conditions (Fall 2025)
• Become a clinical instructor (2027)
• Pursue an adjunct faculty position and/or PhD related to physical therapy (2030-2035)

Timeline/Strategies

• Prepare for NPTE exam in July by utilizing a daily study plan
• Obtain employment at a rehabilitation hospital that offers learning and mentorship opportunities
• Pursue further certification/training to promote my professional growth
• Partake in continuing education courses to expand my knowledge as a clinician

Interprofessional Education Activities (IPE)

Throughout my time in the program, I have had the opportunity to participate in meaningful interprofessional experiences that have significantly influenced how I think, communicate, and will ultimately act as a healthcare provider. One of the most impactful experiences was the collaborative case discussion with students from a range of healthcare disciplines. Working through complex patient cases together allowed us to examine each scenario from multiple clinical lenses. I learned not only how our scopes of practice intersect, but also how they complement one another. At the Women in Healthcare Symposium, I engaged with current and aspiring female leaders across healthcare disciplines, discussing leadership, equity, and navigating systemic barriers as women in healthcare. Lastly, Fall Fest provided a unique and informal setting to challenge myths and misconceptions about other healthcare disciplines. Through conversations, I recognized how assumptions can limit interdisciplinary collaboration. Altogether, these interprofessional experiences have reshaped how I view my role within the healthcare system. They have taught me to think more broadly, communicate more intentionally, and act with greater awareness of the complex needs of patients and the contributions of my colleagues. I am committed to applying these lessons in my career and to being an advocate for collaborative, compassionate, and patient-centered care.

Products

Research Capstone Project: Retention of Performance Following Removal of Visual Feedback of Trailing Limb Angle in Exoskeleton-Assisted Gait

• Capstone Project Manuscript
• Capstone Project Poster

Inservice Presentation: TiTraTE Model For The Assessment of Dizziness

• Inservice TiTrate Model

Reflective Statement

As I reflect on my time in the program, I can recognize meaningful growth in both my clinical skills and professional mindset. I was granted valuable learning opportunities, particularly through clinical experiences, research experiences, and consistent collaboration with peers. These moments helped me build confidence in patient care, communication, and critical thinking. Over the next several years, I hope to gain experience with more complex cases, continue refining my clinical reasoning, and stay engaged in ongoing learning. I’m also interested in gradually becoming more involved in research, teaching, or advocacy work within the profession, as I find areas where I can contribute meaningfully. I may not have every detail figured out yet, but I feel prepared to grow into the kind of clinician I want to be. I’m grateful to UNC for giving me lifelong friends who share my passion for helping others, inspiring mentors who have shaped my drive for excellence, and the skills and confidence to become a compassionate and capable provider.

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