DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement:

My goal as a Physical Therapist is to serve my community by providing effective, evidence based services. I intend to promote patient-centered care within my practice, ensuring that the needs of the individual are always addressed. With completion of my DPT degree and obtaining a license to practice in North Carolina, I plan to pursue a career in orthopedics, geriatrics, and administration. Within my time as a practicing clinician, I plan to become a licensed Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with focusing on becoming an expert in treatment of pathologies involving the upper and lower extremities. I plan to practice as a Physical Therapist full time for 15 years and then migrate towards management and administrative roles within the field of Physical Therapy.

Career Plan and Objectives:

By the end of 2023:

• Graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and obtain my Doctorate in Physical Therapy
• Pass the NPTE and become a licensed Physical Therapist in North Carolina
• Obtain a job in any setting within 2 months of passing the board exam.

By the end of 2030:

• I plan to be a licensed Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
• I plan to be furthering my skills as a practicing clinician in the field of orthopedics in the outpatient setting.

By the end of 2040:

• Obtain a position in management at a practice and work towards a career in management/ administration.

Self Assessment:

• Strengths
  • Professionalism
  • Accountability
  • Desire for knowledge
  • Punctual
• Areas for professional development
  • Advocacy for patients
  • Diagnostic/ prognostic skills
  • Clinical Reasoning

Specific Strategies:

• Compile comprehensive professional resume by January of 2023 to prepare for job searches.
• Competition of DPT degree from UNC and obtain diploma
• Successfully pass NPTE Board Exam in July of 2023
• Become Licensed to practice Physical Therapy in NC in 2023
• Apply to jobs in NC, some of which that have a comprehensive mentorship program
• Communicate with former CI’s for references on applications and potential job openings at former clinical sites.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

            Throughout my time spent in the Physical Therapy Doctoral program at UNC, I have had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of different people across North Carolina from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities. I have had the pleasure of providing the best healthcare that I can to all individuals that are placed on my caseload. I have also learned so much about different cultures and religions from some of the most rural places of North Carolina. I believe these experiences have ultimately made me a better clinician, and that I am better informed with the best ways to manage their cases in the most effective way possible. As I move out towards the Coastal region of NC, I plan to further broaden my scope of knowledge on the diverse populous of this state through treating patient populations that are both new to me and those I am already familiar with. I will learn best from the patients that I serve, and I will always strive to treat every patient equally and with the upmost respect when they walk into the clinic.

Two Product Examples

• https://dptcapstone.web.unc.edu/2023/04/27/impacts-of-a-rehab-aide-mobility-program-on-employee-patient-satisfaction-and-hospital-patient-los/
• Acute Care Inservice Presentation:
  • Acute Care Inservice on Billing and Documentation

Reflective Statement:

I have learned so many valuable things throughout my time spent in Physical Therapy school. I entered school with sports physical therapy at the top of my list, however over the years, I found my true interests in the fields of geriatrics and orthopedics. My views on the potential opportunities in the field of Physical Therapy were also expanded throughout my time spent at UNC Chapel Hill. Before my time here, I did not realize the great importance of PT advocacy on the broader healthcare stage and in the state and federal legislature. Above all else, PT school taught me how to become comfortable with working in the grey areas, where I previously only saw answers in black and white with no in-betweens. Although “It depends” is a phrase used very often, it seems to be the best answer! As I officially begin my practice as a licensed Physical Therapist this year, I see myself continuing several things that started in PT school as a young professional. I will always push myself to continue learning and staying up-to-date on the latest guidelines and research in the field. I also see myself taking on students and drawing from my own experiences with Clinical Instructors to become the best CI that I can for my students. I also want to take on challenges we face as clinicians from administrative and managerial perspectives, by optimizing both the clinician and patient’s physical therapy experience. I am interested in finding innovative ways to reduce administrative burden on the therapist while maintaining high standards of care for the patient. I am excited to see what the future has in store for myself and all of my peers in the class of 2023!

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