DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement:

As a physical therapist, I strive to provide compassionate, empathetic, evidenced-based, and personalized care to best serve others. As I think about my dream job, I realize I do not have a dream position, but a dream community role. A role that is centered around how to serve the people in my community best. I have found that I can best do that through working with those with neurological conditions and helping them achieve their goals. Upon graduation, I would like to work full-time in inpatient rehab or outpatient neuro setting. I hope to gain further knowledge in this area by eventually earning a neuroIogic specialist certification (NCS). I am motivated to best serve patients and want to strive to be a better clinician, community member, and person through being a life-long learner and sharing my experiences with others.

Academic Career:

• May 2021: BA in Exercise in Sport Science with Minor in Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• August 2021-2024: Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (anticipated July 2024)
  • Clinical Rotations:
    • Novant Presbyterian Medical Center (Acute Care), Charlotte, NC
    • Peak Performance Sport and Physical Therapy (Outpatient Ortho), Swansboro, NC
    • UNC Center for Rehabilitation Care (Outpatient Neuro), Chapel Hill, NC
    • Novant Health New Hanover Rehab Hospital (Inpatient Neuro), Wilmington, NC
  • Electives:
    • Advanced Ortho (2023)
    • Research Elective (ReGain Lab) with Dr. Mike Lewek (2023-2024)
    • Teacher Scholar (Intro to PT Intervention) (2023)
    • Advanced Neuro (2024)
  • Capstone:
    • Oxygen Cost of Overground Walking On vs. Off Medication in Individuals with Mild to Moderate Parkinson’s Disease
  • Neuro STEP-UP Scholar (2022-2024)
  • Co-Chair of Diversity of Committee of Student Physical Therapy Association (2022-2023)
  • UNC Exploratory Day Organizer and Speaker (2022-2024)
  • PWR! Moves Certified (2023)

Examples of Work:

• Capstone Manuscript and Presentation
• Neuro STEP-Up Spring Journal Club Presentation
• Grand Rounds MS Case Study Presentation
• Exploratory Day

Objectives and Career Plan:

• Graduate from UNC DPT Program in July 2024
• Take the NPTE and obtain licensure in NC, July 2024
• Be employed in in inpatient rehab or outpatient neuro, September 2024
• Seek continuing education for Vestibular Rehabilitation and become certified in Dry Needling, 2025
• Self-study/sit for NCS exam 2026
• Become certified clinical instructor in 2027
• Continue to contribute to UNC DPT program and Neuro STEP-UP through guest lectures, help for lab days, or mentorship

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)

As physical therapists, we have a unique role in caring for people from all backgrounds. But to provide the best care, JEDI is so much deeper than acknowledging that we are all different. It takes conscious effort in getting to know the person and the systems in place that have shaped who they are, and actively working towards equity. My time at UNC has taught me this is an area the profession of physical therapy can greatly improve and there isn’t one way to address this issue. I have been very grateful to take part in conversations that have allowed me to see a new perspective and be able to collaborate in working towards increasing diversity within the profession. My work with Exploratory Day and other efforts have taught me that change starts with initiative and collaboration. I hope to continue to learn how I can best understand people and their needs in justice, equity, and inclusion and collaborate with a diverse collective of thoughts and ideas to best work towards a better community.

Interprofessional Education Activities (IPE)

As I have moved through the program, I found it was very easy to get in a cycle of thinking about myself. How can I be a better PT? How can I be a better student? What do I need to do to pass my classes? But after every IPE experience, I was always reminded how this process is so much bigger than me. In healthcare, we are meant to work as a team to determine what is best for the patient. Through these experiences, I was able to gain a better understanding of my teammates, where their expertise lie, and clearly define my own role as a PT. I learned the importance of effective communication, active listening, and conflict resolution. These IPE experiences have truly taught me what teamwork means in the healthcare setting and how imperative in ensuring the best patient care.

Reflective Statement

I can remember the exact moment I wanted to become a physical therapist and I can remember the list I had for all the things I needed to do to be able to become one. It is such a surreal moment to think that I am about to achieve something I had dreamed about for so long. I am incredibly grateful that not only am I able to become a physical therapist, but I have had the opportunity to grow in so many aspects thanks to the opportunities UNC DPT has afforded me. From being able to learn from experts in the field who are renowned in the profession, but are also incredible people who have cared about me personally, to learning alongside my classmates who have been supportive and knowledgeable, I am so fortunate to have been able to learn from phenomenal people. I have been able to find my passion in treating people with neurological conditions and found purpose in working towards more diverse and inclusive environments. I have learned I am resilient and capable of being a knowledgeable and well-rounded clinician. I have been equipped with the tools to provide holistic and compassionate care to be an advocate for patients and my community. I am beyond privileged that I get to keep learning and contributing to this profession and patients every day.

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