DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement: 

After receiving my Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from UNC and entering the workforce, I hope to provide compassionate, efficacious, and patient-centered care to the people that I serve. I strive to be well-rounded as a clinician, to serve a broad base of individuals across the continuum of care, and would like to begin my professional journey by treating individuals with neurological conditions. My goals after graduation include finding a workplace that encourages an environment of interdisciplinary collaboration, continual learning, and mentorship. As a PT, we are entrusted with a task afforded to few and of the upmost importance – the care of those in our community struggling with pain, disability, and other physical limitations. I will take on this role with stride and aim to educate and empower my patients. I also strive to be a lifelong learner and continue to expand my knowledge base by earning my neurologic specialist certification (NCS).

Career Plan

Past Accomplishments

• Graduated from the Honors College at East Carolina University
  • Bachelor of Science in Public Health Studies, Pre-Health Professions Concentration

Clinical Experience

• Clinical Rotation 1: UNC Health Johnston; Clayton, NC – 8 weeks
  • Acute Care – All Populations
• Integrated Clinical Experience Elective: University Physical Therapy; Hillsborough, NC – 60 hours
  • Outpatient Orthopedics
• Clinical Rotation 2: Bodies in Balance Physical Therapy; Wilmington, NC – 8 weeks
  • Outpatient Orthopedics and Neurological Populations
• Clinical Rotation 3: ECU Health Medical Center; Greenville, NC – 8 weeks
  • Acute Care – Neurological Populations
• Clinical Rotation 4: ECU Health Medical Center; Greenville, NC – 12 weeks
  • Inpatient Rehabilitation – Neurological Populations

Future Plans

• August 2023: Graduate from the University of North Carolina with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
• October 2023: Begin working as a licensed physical therapist providing care in the acute or inpatient rehabilitation setting
• 2025: Get certified by the APTA as a clinical instructor, with the aim of educating and mentoring the next generation of physical therapists.
• 2025: Become a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist

Self-Assessment

Strengths

• Professionalism
• Rapport with patients
• Accountability
• Communication skills

Areas for professional development

• Work-life balance
• Professional advocacy through the APTA
• Efficiency with documentation
• Billing, insurance, and administrative knowledge

Objectives

• Obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from UNC-CH
• Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)
• Obtain licensure in the state of NC and begin working as a credentialed physical therapist
• Become a clinical instructor
• Become a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist

Specific Strategies

• Elective course in Advanced Neuromuscular Intervention and Medical Spanish
• Maintained an APTA membership and attended APTA CSM in San Diego
• Clinical rotations to advance knowledge of orthopedic and neurological conditions across the continuum of care
• Participate in continuing education relevant to my chosen setting and PT-oriented conferences hosted by the APTA
• Cultivate a professional network of previous clinical instructors and mentors in the field

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Through the culmination of my undergraduate education, coursework at UNC, clinical experiences and professional opportunities, I have garnered a working knowledge and appreciation for furthering the principles of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. While earning my B.S. in Public Health, I had the opportunity to participate in lectures, discussions, and work focused on addressing health disparities and promoting health equity. My knowledge and understanding of these principles were further developed at UNC, where I have expanded my knowledge of these principles as they relate to the practice of physical therapy. Prior to beginning DPT school, I read Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People. This book made me aware of my implicit biases and allowed me to begin the process of addressing them. I have also been able to work in a variety of settings in rural and underserved communities, where I have been exposed to patients from diverse backgrounds. These experiences have fostered an appreciation for, awareness of, and dedication to promoting the components of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in my practice as a physical therapist. As part of my practice as a DPT, I will aim to utilize this culmination of knowledge and experience to advocate for JEDI and treat each patient with individualized care that accounts for their unique needs and goals.

Sample Works

Capstone Project: https://dptportfolios.web.unc.edu/soon-to-be-dpts/class-of-2023/warren-ashlyn/

Business Plan: Bounce Back Sports Business Plan

Reflective Statement

As I reflect on my educational, professional, and clinical experiences over these past three years, the best word to describe my time in the UNC DPT program is transformative. These past few years have been paramount in instilling me with the knowledge, compassion, and professionalism necessary to enter the field of physical therapy and transform the lives of patients in my community. Over my time in this program, I have learned from clinical instructors, professors, and experts in the field on how to always challenge myself and my patients to get the best outcomes. I have been pushed to grow not only as a student, but also a professional. I have gained valuable skills through the rigorous coursework and collaborative efforts with peers, professors and colleagues that have improved my time-management skills, communication, and resilience. I am so grateful to all those who have been a part of this transformative journey thus far and hope to continue my development as a life-long learner, advocate, teammate, and physical therapist post-graduation.

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