Patient Shadowing

When she sees a patient for the first time she talks to them about the doctor’s report and asks specific questions about their injury or experiences leading up to the need for physical therapy. Megan explained how important it is to make the patient feel comfortable and keep a positive attitude towards the patient’s recovery. These consultations were the most interesting to sit in on because it allowed me to observe the therapist’s ability to take the patient’s information and create a diagnosis and treatment plan for the injury or pain described. Megan may have multiple patients at a time so she stressed the importance of keeping up with each patient and why the physical therapy techs are so helpful. Scheduling is another job of the therapists that is important in keeping the clinic running smoothly. There is also paperwork that has to be filled out for every patient after every visit about their

My first experience observing a physical therapist, commenced in the summer of 2014. At the time, I was given the opportunity to observe a physical therapist named Jennifer Moreland. Throughout my time observing her, I began to recognize she was not just a physical therapist with her patients. Many times, she took on the role of a consoler, cheerleader, friend and supporter for her patients. Reflecting back on this, I am able to see that the primary reason she has succeeded as a physical therapist; is due to her amiable, encouraging and empathetic nature. These character traits have allowed her to do more than heal patients' musculoskeletal problems. She has also been able to heal hearts, souls and minds by cheering, supporting, listening

Ever since I was little I have alway been very intrigued about physical therapy. Just the aspect of working with other people, and knowing I’m doing something to help them, interests me. This year on November 21st, I job shadowed with Rotert Physical Therapy, and it turned out to be everything I expected. Working with the children had to have been the highlight of my shadow; it’s exactly what I expected and more.

Beyond the educational requirements for physical therapists are the many other attributes that are needed to be successful. A career as a physical therapist requires a lot of studied skills, personal characteristics and physical fitness. A physical therapist should enjoy working with people and helping others. An ability to listen to patients and understand is important to success. Patients are often a victim of a traumatic experience, injury or are afflicted by a debilitating disease. The emotional distress can often be as trying as the physical dysfunction. (Kottler 11) Communicating and teaching skills are needed to help patients learn new movements and exercises to practice on their own. Physical therapists help patients set goals, regain and strengthen muscles and flexibility. Helping a patient find confidence in the program helps them to

I feel so ready to enter the physical therapy field as PTA. I’m proficient with the implementation of patient care, progressing patients within their plan of care and adjusting patient treatment to ensure patient safety. I feel that all the clinical rotations have allowed me to practice what I have learned throughout the PTA program. I need to continue learning and improving my patient

On September 8th, 2015, I first began interning for Dr. Dawn Cox and her staff of experienced Physical Therapists at PRANA Functional Manual Therapy in Lancaster, PA. Since day one of my lived experience, I have noted every one-on-one, patients-therapist interaction. Intermittently, I would ask the therapists “Why choose Physical Therapy as a profession?” One of the Physical Therapists conveyed that aside from the substantial benefits a job provides, it was the intangible materials that added satisfaction to it. As a student exploring the field of Physical Therapy, I have infallibly witnessed professionalism through the therapists at PRANA transparent altruism with patients, without violating unethical practices as professionals; their apposite

For my interview I talk to Derrick Williams he has been in the field of physical therapy for six years. Mr. Williams says in his words " A physical therapist is a person that helps patients get back on their feet makes them feel better about life". I found out in order to go into this field Derrick says "you have to take some basic science/biology and a anatomy class. Now I knew that you have to connect with your patients. The information I found the duties he does is he uses physical fitness to restore functioning to reduce pain in patients.

On September 8th, 2015, I first began interning for Dr. Dawn Cox and her staff of experienced Physical Therapists at PRANA Functional Manual Therapy in Lancaster, PA as a Physical Therapy Aide. Intermittently, on the first day of my internship, I would ask the therapists “Why choose Physical Therapy as a profession?” One of the Physical Therapists conveyed that aside from the substantial benefits a job provides, it was the intangible materials that gave the profession a meaning. As a student exploring the field of Physical Therapy, I have infallibly witnessed professionalism at PRANA and other Physical Therapy facilities through the therapists’ altruism towards patients -without violating ethical practices as professionals; their apposite use of communication with each individual at the workplace; and their sense of accountability when things go unforeseen.

Being a DPT student is much more than just sitting in a classroom and studying. As a physical therapist aide for three years, I bring to the field of Physical Therapy a unique set of skills built from life experiences and abide by the standards of practice that are set forth by the American Physical Therapy Association. Throughout my experience as an aide in Belle Mead Physical Therapy, I have not only grasped the true meaning of professionalism, but have also shaped what it means to me as an aide as well as a student pursuing a career as a Physical Therapist. As APTA states, “Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants should strive to apply principles of altruism, excellence, caring, ethics, respect, communication and accountability

My shadowing experience this summer has taught me so many new things about physical therapy. It has allowed me to observe the practice and make sense of the new information I have learned. Although therapy has not changed, the lenses through which I view it have. I no longer see a patient performing arbitrary exercises, I see muscles moving in specific patterns. I no longer see a passive stretch being performed, I see soft tissues, ligaments, and capsules being mobilized. I no longer see a diagnosis that receives that same treatment, I see a person that is struggling with an issue and passionate people willing to help through genuine care. I Had my first observation at The Medical Arts Research Center(MARC), an outpatient physical therapy facility in San Antonio. There, I observed 9 patients with musculoskeletal conditions. These included 8 adults and 1 pediatric. The second clinic was Peak Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy clinic in Wylie, Texas. There I saw 8 patients with musculoskeletal conditions including 6 adults and 2 pediatric. During these observations, I saw many components of physical therapy practice. The last place I shadowed was Warm Springs Rehab Hospital of San Antonio. I observed in the post-acute medical facility in which we saw 7 patients with neuromuscular conditions, including 5 adults and 2 pediatric.

I have developed personal skills to be able to reassure a patient in distress, and have a first-hand experience in understanding how medical professionals communicate. At some point in my Physical Therapy career, I picture myself working in a hospital. I believe that it is important to immerse myself early to become a respected employee. I would continue to involve myself in this community to meet the service requirements of the Shawn Carter Foundation. Instead of being just a volunteer, I would strive to become a service leader for patients and employees.

Physical Therapist help patients to gain the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. (“Role of a Physical Therapist”) Next, Physical Therapists responsibilities include examination, diagnosis, and creation/ implementation and adjustment of the plan of care. (“Physical Therapist (PT) Profiles”) Lastly, Physical Therapist helps patients explain their accident

In today’s world, people need more assistance, or aid, to better their health. Physical therapy seems to be the ideal career path for someone like myself, who likes hands-on activities. Hopefully after two years, I will be able to call myself a physical therapy assistant (PTA). A PTA plays an important role in the rehabilitation to help a patient, who was injured return back to proper level of physical functioning. The profession of physical therapy will show my drive and dedication to help people in need. Becoming a PTA will show my excellent communication skills and ability to work well with other individuals in hopes of helping people regain their physical function, so they can take on everyday life. This career path has job security,

Dr. Winstein’s lecture really spoke to me, as a physical therapy student. There is so much to consider when choosing this career path, as well as so much to strive for. The lecture started with a thought-provoking question:

1. Shadowing at Eastside Internal Medicine: I believe that shadowing is one of the best activities that a student applying to medical school can engage in. Shadowing gives you a glimpse into the practice of medicine and a physician’s life. It is very important to show medical schools that you have immersed yourself in clinical settings and are serious about becoming a doctor.