Mar 28 2023

Blackburn, Josh

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Professional Goal Statement

Upon graduation and subsequent licensure as a PT, I plan to pursue a career in orthopedics/sports in North Carolina.  My academic and professional experiences have prepared me to serve the community in which I find myself, providing care in clinics and on sidelines.  I will prioritize providing high-quality treatment and building professional relationships with my patients, ultimately contributing to the resolution of their goals.

 

Career Plan

Past Accomplishments

  • Graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    • Batchelor of Arts in Athletic Training; subsequent certification and NC licensure

Clinical Experience

  • Clinical Rotation 1: Craven Physical Therapy and Spine; New Bern, NC – 8 weeks
    • Outpatient Orthopedics
  • Clinical Rotation 2: Vidant Medical Center; Greenville, NC – 8 weeks
    • Acute Care – Neurological populations
  • Clinical Rotation 3: Vidant Medical Center; Greenville, NC – 8 weeks
    • Inpatient Rehabilitation – Neurological populations
  • Clinical Rotation 4: Southeastern Physical Therapy; Candler, NC – 12 weeks
    • Outpatient Orthopedics

Future Plans

  • Graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (DPT – July 2023)
  • Obtain a job in orthopedics/sports medicine (July 2023)
  • Obtain dry needling certification (2024)
  • Maintain PT/ATC licensure and continue working in orthopedics

 

Self-Assessment

Strengths

  • Developing relationships with patients
  • Organization
  • Professionalism
  • Sport-specific rehabilitation

Areas for Professional Development

  • Manual therapy skills
  • Efficiency with documentation
  • Implementation of current evidence

 

Strategies to Reach Professional Goals

  • Certification/licensure as athletic trainer
  • Part-time and per diem practice as athletic trainer while completing physical therapy education
  • Elective course in advanced orthopedics
  • Elective course in sports physical therapy
  • Integrated clinical experience in outpatient orthopedic setting
  • Clinical rotations to enhance knowledge of orthopedic and neurological conditions

 

Diversity

UNC has encouraged participation in activities pertaining to diversity and inclusion, which are ultimately designed to shape both our personal and professional lives.  Some of these events speak to the importance of welcoming environments while others lecture on particular views of social issues.  Concerning diversity and inclusion, the most helpful experiences have been clinical rotations, in which I have been able to work, interact, and serve alongside clinicians and other staff from a wide variety of backgrounds, each with their own viewpoints on the best way to help their patients.  The many people I have had the opportunity to treat, likewise, come from every background imaginable.  This diversity of experience and thought is highly beneficial in most situations, particularly within healthcare teams that must solve problems together every day.

 

Work Samples

Linked here are samples of my work while in UNC’s physical therapy program.

Capstone Project:  During my final semester, I developed an exercise plan designed to reduce the risk of UCL injury for baseball players.  This site features the components of my capstone project, including an educational powerpoint, an exercise handout for players/coaches, and a more descriptive handout for clinicians.

Critically Appraised Topic:  I completed an appraisal on the effectiveness of surgery vs conservative management for baseball pitchers with partial UCL tears, a topic similar to that featured in the capstone project described above.

 

Reflective Statement

Throughout this program, I have grown both personally and professionally.  Professionally, this program has not only allowed me to explore my academic interests and develop as a student, but it has also provided an environment in which I have gained the characteristics of an effective clinician.  Over the next several years, I plan on continuing to treat populations that suffer from orthopedic and sports-related injuries, both in the clinic and on the sidelines of events.  Although I have not decided on a long-term geographical location, I plan to use the skills I have developed at UNC to comprehensively serve whatever area I find myself in.

One response so far




One Response to “Blackburn, Josh”

  1.   Lisa Johnstonon 31 May 2023 at 6:11 pm

    Josh- Thanks for sharing your portfolio. It is nice to see some examples of what you have accomplished, particularly your capstone project. Good luck to you as you explore your next steps. Lisa

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