Mar 28 2023

Dibuono, Randi

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Professional Goal Statement

I aspire to become a pediatric physical therapist focused on providing family and patient-centered care in hopes of improving their overall quality of life as well as functional mobility. I strive to be an advocate for my patients and ensure they receive appropriate, compassionate care regardless of race, financial status, or other personal characteristics. I plan to maintain my Athletic Training Certification and help provide coverage of athletic events at local schools.  Furthermore, I intend to become trained in AFO fitting/casting to further provide specialized care to my patients.  Additionally, I intend to create a collection of used or donated durable medical equipment to provide for patients who do not have the financial support to obtain themselves. Throughout my career, I will be a resource for those interested in physical therapy by allowing shadowing opportunities and providing a safe place to discuss topics of interest or potential questions. I plan to give back to the profession by becoming an ATPA-Credentialed Clinical Instructor to help educate and shape the future of physical therapy.

 

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Career Plan

Past Experience

  • August 2018-May 2020: Clinical Experience through accredited Athletic Training Program at San Diego State University—Clinical affiliation with University of San Diego, University of California at San Diego, and Grossmont Community College
  • May 2020: Graduated from San Diego State University with BS in Athletic Training
  • June 2020: Sat for and successfully completed Athletic Training Board of Certification Exam
  • August 2020: Enrolled in Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine

 

Future Plans

  • Fall of 2022: Apply for Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency
  • July 2023: Earn Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
  • July 2023: Sit for and successfully pass National Physical Therapy Examination
  • Obtain full time job in pediatric setting
  • By the end of 2025: Sit for and successfully pass the Pediatric Clinical Specialist certification exam

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Professional Development

  • Allied Health Ambassador (2020-2023)
    • Former Committee Co-chair of “Showcase for a Cause” 2021
  • Student Physical Therapy Association
    • Diversity Committee Co-Chair 2021-2022
  • Volunteer Student Physical Therapist
    • Aquatic Therapy for 50 y.o. Patient with Multiple Sclerosis

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Certifications

  • Certified Athletic Trainer (obtained June 2020)
  • American Heart Association BLS (CPR and AED)

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Clinical Affiliations

  • UNC Ambulatory Care Center (8 weeks)—Outpatient Orthopedic and Aquatic Therapy
  • UNC Center for Rehabilitation Care (8 weeks)—Outpatient Pediatrics
  • Cape Fear Valley Medical Center (8 weeks)—Acute Care, emphasis on trauma and orthopedic post-surgical caseload
  • Integrated clinical experience (6 weeks)— UNC Faculty Clinic with Bria Dunn, Outpatient orthopedic
  • Duke Children’s Hospital (12wks)—Acute Pediatrics

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Self Assessment

  • Strengths
    • Emergency sideline training—spine boarding, splinting, sideline evaluations
    • Taping, bracing, and spica wrapping for various orthopedic injuries
    • Ability to develop and maintain strong, effective relationships with patients as their care provider
    • Adaptability of communication and treatment style to best support the patient and their needs
    • Drive to continue learning and improving my skills as a clinician
    • Therapeutic handling and facilitation skills
    • Commitment to providing individualized family and patient centered care to improve my patient’s quality of life and functional mobility
  • Areas for Professional Development
    • Evaluation and diagnosis of patients with complex neuromuscular and genetic conditions
    • DME evaluation, fitting, and recommendation (ie. Power chairs, standers, gait trainers)
    • Attending a variety of continuing education courses to remain a well-rounded clinician and participating in national professional organizations
    • Continue to push myself beyond my comfort zone and gain more confidence as a new Physical Therapist

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Objectives

  1. Graduate with my DPT from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in July of 2023.
  2. Sit for and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination in July of 2023.
  3. Obtain a full-time job in Pediatric setting
  4. Sit for the Pediatric Clinical Specialist exam by the end of 2025.
  5. Become Certified in DMI treatments after starting full time job (date pending).

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Specific Strategies

  • Starting fall of 2022, participate in weekly sessions with a classmate to review didactic material from the past 2 years
  • Create and follow a self-study plan for the NPTE starting 3 months prior to exam date
  • Maintain relationships formed with mentors, previous/current clinical instructors, and professors
  • Attend Physical Therapy Conferences to improve networking and overall knowledge in the field
  • Participate in continuing education courses for generalized physical therapy as well as courses specific to pediatrics
  • Maintain APTA membership and join Pediatric Section

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Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Throughout my time in the DPT program, I had the opportunity to participate in many experiences that relate our field to the ideas of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion such as reading books about implicit biases and participating in clinical rotations. Of the experiences I participated in, my clinical rotations have provided me with insight into health disparities that impact our patients and how we as physical therapists can advocate for our patients to ensure they all receive the best quality of care. Each person, no matter their background, deserves the opportunity to take advantage of physical therapy services to optimize their quality of life. To fully provide this high level of care for our patients, it must be individualized based on their personal circumstances. For example, we must consider the patient’s culture, their view of the healthcare system, and access to healthcare. For my future patients, I plan to gather as much information about the previously mentioned topics so I can determine the best way to implement their plan of care. This could result in taking extra time to research community resources to assist the patient and family, communicate with clinics to find the best fit for the patient based on their personal needs, or working with the patient to determine a financial plan that accommodates their needs. Additionally, it is important to take time during your therapy session to truly listen to the patient’s need or concerns and not disregard them because you think you know what is causing the patient’s chief complaint. You might be the first one to truly listen to their concerns, and if appropriately considered, you could greatly help improve their ability to access the most beneficial care.

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Electives

  • Integrated Clinical Experience with Orthopedic caseload (1 unit)
  • Child & Family Assessment and Intervention (2 units)
  • Spanish for Health Care Workers (School of Public Health)—Beginner level (3 units)

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Capstone Project

  • Supplemental Clinical Resource for DPT students preparing to begin Pediatric Outpatient rotations and studying for NPTE
    • Online Lecture to be posted as Voice Thread with complementary PowerPoint providing overview of common orthopedic conditions seen in the pediatric patient population. The conditions will include torticollis, Blount’s Disease, Legg-Calve- Perthes Disease, and Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis.
    • Caregiver handout for treatment of torticollis created using evidence-based practice and the clinical practice guideline.

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Examples of Work

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Professional Activities

  • Attended CSM 2023
  • APTA Member 2020-current

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 Reflection

Looking back over the past three years in the DPT program, I am so pleased with how much have grown as an individual and soon-to-be professional. Those who know me well know that I started this journey struggling to be confident in my knowledge and skills and accepting that one must be comfortable being uncomfortable. With the help of my professors and clinical instructors, I have become more confident in my skills and reasoning as a clinician and helped me realize that the most growth often comes from persevering through uncomfortable situations. I deeply appreciate each experience in the program, whether didactic or clinical, as they each taught me valuable skills needed to provide the best care for my patients. Each of my experiences have led me to the conclusion that outpatient pediatrics is the setting for me. As a pediatric physical therapist, it is my job to provide children and their families with strategies to facilitate development and maximize the patient’s ability to participate and enjoy their life to the fullest. Over the next few years, I plan to gain experience in outpatient pediatrics and sit for the Pediatric Clinical Specialist exam to further my professional development to best serve my patients. Furthermore, I plan to become trained in fitting orthotics as the patient population I plan to treat tend to require this service frequently and I would love to be able to personally provide this extra care for them. As I gain more experience, I hope to be able to provide care in specialty clinics as well.

 

2 responses so far




2 Responses to “Dibuono, Randi”

  1.   Lisa Johnstonon 31 May 2023 at 6:28 pm

    Randi- I am very excited to see samples of your work and all you have accomplished. It is clear you have a lot to offer your patients and I will certainly be happy to have you as a clinical instructor when you are ready for that. Good luck with your next chapter! Lisa

    Reply

  2.   Vicki Merceron 19 Jun 2023 at 5:53 pm

    Randi – Glad to see your confidence in yourself and your abilities as a pediatric PT! It also warms my heart to find out about your commitment to helping provide DME for patients who cannot afford it. Best of luck in all your future endeavors! Vicki

    Reply

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