DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement

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My plan after graduating from UNC’s DPT program is to work with individuals with neurological conditions in inpatient and outpatient settings. I especially enjoy treating geriatrics, neurodegenerative conditions, SCI, CVA, and TBI, but love working with a variety of patients. I was honored to be selected as a UNC Neuro STEP UP Scholar to gain more mentorship, knowledge, and experience treating patients with Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

 

As an entry-level therapist my goal is to be a light to my patients and make a positive impact on their lives by promoting independence and autonomy. I will strive to provide patient-centered and empathetic care to all my patients. Additionally, I would like to work in a setting with strong mentorship that will continue to challenge me. I am a life-long learner and would like to complete a residency program, become a Neurological Clinical Specialist, and attain the Aquatic Therapy Clinical Competency. I have a passion for academics and teaching others, so long-term I would like to get involved with a residency program, become a clinical instructor, and teach DPT students.

 

Career Plan

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Past Education

• Graduated from Washington and Lee University in 2021 with a BS in Neuroscience

Clinical Experience

• Clinical Affiliation I: Acute Care (8 weeks)
  • WakeMed Cary Hospital – Cary, NC
• Clinical Affiliation II: Outpatient Neuro (8 weeks)
  • UNC Center for Rehabilitative Care – Chapel Hill, NC
• Clinical Affiliation III: Outpatient Orthopedic (8 weeks)
  • Craven Physical Therapy and Spine – New Bern, NC
• Clinical Affiliation IV: Acute Inpatient Rehab (12 weeks)
  • Atrium Health Carolina’s Rehabilitation – Charlotte, NC

Certifications

• PWR!Moves Certified Therapist

 

Objectives and Goals

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2024

• Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) in July 2024
• Graduate from the UNC DPT Program in July 2024
• Obtain licensure in North Carolina by August 2024
• Work as a neurological physical therapist in outpatient or acute inpatient rehab setting in the Charlotte area by September 2024
• Join the APTA Brain Injury, Stroke, and Spinal Cord Injury special interest groups by December 2024
• Join the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy by December 2024

2025 – 2027

• Complete neurologic physical therapy residency program by September 2027
• Become a Neurological Clinical Specialist (NCS) by 2027
• Complete Aquatic Therapy Clinical Competency by 2027

By 2029

• Become a clinical instructor
• Provide guest lectures for a DPT program

 

Electives, Capstone Project, and Sample Work

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Electives

• Advanced Orthopedic Management (2023)
• Research Experience in the ReGain Lab with Dr. Mike Lewek, PT, PhD (2023-2024)
• Advanced Neuro (2024)
• Integrated Clinical Experience in outpatient orthopedics and UNC’s Orofacial Pain Clinic (2024)

Capstone Project

• Research, data collection, and data analysis completed on the effects of dopaminergic medication on oxygen cost of walking in individuals with mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s Disease.
• Produced abstract, manuscript, and inservice presentation
• Abstract and manuscript to be submitted for publication following additional data collection

Sample Work

• Capstone Manuscript
• Capstone Inservice Presentation
• Vestibular Dysfunction in Individuals with Moderate to Severe TBI – Advanced Neuro
• Neuro STEP UP Journal Club Presentation – Fall 2024
• An Osteoporosis Prevention and Management Community Health Program – Health and Wellness

 

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Reflection

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As a physical therapist, I will work with and serve individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds. My experiences in the UNC DPT program  and beyond have 1) deepened my understanding and appreciation of the social, cultural, and political factors that influence each patient’s health, 2) taught me about my own unconscious biases and equipped me with tools to address them, 3) educated me on the systemic issues that limit access to physical therapy services, and 4) highlighted the marginalization of certain groups, which limits representation within our profession.

 

These experiences have made me a more informed and inclusive clinician, enabling me to apply these strategies in the clinical environment. They have also prompted conversations with classmates and other clinicians about how we can grow individually, grow the program, and grow the profession by providing culturally competent, equitable, and informed care.  As I graduate from this program, I am dedicated to ensuring that the quality of care I provide is consistent regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, cultural background, socioeconomic status, geographic location, or beliefs.

 

Interprofessional Experience Reflection

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One of my favorite interprofessional experiences was shadowing various professionals at the Multiple Sclerosis Multidisciplinary Clinic at UNC. I observed how the physician, pharmacist, orthotist/prosthetist, wheelchair vendor, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, and social worker collaborated to provide comprehensive care to a single patient. This experience deepened my understanding of each profession’s role and enhanced my appreciation for the value they contribute to patient care.

 

Throughout the DPT program, every interprofessional education (IPE) experience has taught me the qualities I value in team members: respect, flexibility, accountability, optimism, and active listening. Therefore, it is essential for me to embody these qualities as part of a collaborative team as well. I also learned the significant benefits of communicating with various specialties, as this collaboration can improve patient outcomes by offering a more holistic view of the patient’s health.

 

Personal Growth Reflection

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After shadowing a Parkinson’s Disease boxing class while in high school, I was determined to become a neurological physical therapist one day. That shadowing experience showed me the extent to which physical activity and rehabilitation could change someone’s life in so many ways. And it just so happens that the physical therapist I was shadowing went to UNC for physical therapy school. Following that experience, I was determined to major in neuroscience to set myself up for success. I graduated from Washington and Lee University with a BS in Neuroscience and a particular interest in neurodegenerative diseases. Fast forward to today, I am about to graduate from UNC’s DPT program and start my dream job as a neurological physical therapist.

 

As someone who loves to learn and loves to be challenged, I am extremely grateful for how the UNC DPT program has allowed me to grow as a student, friend, clinician, teammate, and leader. This program has nurtured my strengths, challenged my weaknesses, and continually reminded me of my passion for caring for others. I am particularly thankful for the mentorship and additional learning experiences through the UNC Neuro STEP UP program and through my research experience in the ReGain Lab.

 

This program has equipped me with the essential clinical skills to be an effective physical therapist, while also challenging and refining my collaborative and leadership abilities. As I embark on my career, I aim to provide high-quality, evidence-based, and equitable care to my patients. Additionally, I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge with students to help shape the next generation of physical therapists.

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