The prompt this year is: What is professionalism in the context of being a student in a doctor of physical therapist degree program?
Also my essay is a little bit too long right now, I am just sure where to go from here! I also want to make sure that it makes sense to readers and has good flow/ organization. Please help me out! Thank you!!
The American Physical Therapy Association defines professionalism as follows: "Physical therapists consistently demonstrate core values by aspiring to and wisely applying principles of altruism, excellence, caring, ethics, respect, communication and accountability, and by working together with other professionals to achieve optimal health and wellness in individuals and communities." Of this definition, the most relatable aspects are altruism, excellence, and accountability. Altruism is a devotion to the interest of others at one's own expense. This is easily applied to physical therapy, in that improving the patient in the best way is a top priority. Excellence is a combination of knowledge and judgement in making decisions of how to improve the patients condition. Accountability is being responsible for all obligations involved with being a physical therapist. Although there are many more aspects that are as equally important, these are the characteristics I would like to focus on.
Throughout my physical therapy experiences, I have observed altruism at its finest. Physical therapist's constantly put patient's needs before their own. Altruism is one of the most important underlying concepts of physical therapy. While observing at ATI physical therapy, I noticed the physical therapist was not only concerned if a patient was comfortable with an exercise or stretch, but also if they were too cold, too hot, or if they needed a drink. When the patients understand a physical therapist truly cares about them, they noticeably relax and begin to enjoy their time in therapy. While shadowing with Susan Edwards, who specializes in working with special needs patients, I noticed she is always concerned with the comfort of her patients. Making sure braces are in good condition and making a simple fix when needed. All of her patients, even young children, are very comfortable around her and know they can rely on her. Seeing altruism at work in the physical therapy field is inspiring, the difference it makes in patients is unbelievable.
I have also helped Susan's daughter, Jordan, to learn how to ride horses. Jordan has developmental disabilities, but riding horses has helped her improve her concentration and stress levels. Equine are very advantageous to individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. Volunteering at Talisman Therapeutic Riding has really opened my eyes to the difference equine can make. We had an autism camp week, and one little boy showed a huge improvement. He was non-verbal and very fidgety, constantly moving or running around. Even on the first day, after a few minutes of being on a horse he relaxed, not moving or fidgeting. By the end of the week he started saying a few phrases like "whoa" or "walk on" to the horses. His parents were enthralled by the improvement he made in such a short time. Altruism is all about putting others before oneself, and while working with such great kids, it is easy to do so.
I have always loved equine and have been showing all over the country for the past eight years. Improving my riding skills has not only helped me coach Jordan and the riders at Talisman, but it has also taught me to put others before myself and to strive for excellence. Many do not realize the amount of time and hard work go into riding horses and showing on a national level. It is a great achievement to see hard work pay off. After years of riding and practicing, I have been awarded multiple World Champions and Reserve World Champions in western pleasure, trail, and horsemanship, and two years I was named among the top twenty riders in my age group in the American Paint Horse Association. Not only must every aspect be above excellent to achieve these awards, but responsibility also plays a large role. I have learned responsibility from showing horses by the abundance of time and care they require.
Another part of my life that has taught me responsibility is working on my family's farm. From a young age, I had multiple responsibilities placed on my shoulders. Taking care of the many animals around the farm, including my horses, by feeding and cleaning up after them. As I aged, more and more was expected of me, like working in the field, keeping our garden tended, and making lunch and dinners for the family. Learning how to balance my time between my farm work, my horses, and my academics has taught me how to prioritize my time.
In a way, my whole life I have been preparing to be a physical therapist. From learning at a young age how to be responsible and put other's needs before my own, seeing first hand how important excellence is when wanting to achieve personal goals, to getting involved in my community by helping others through my love of equine. Each of these characteristics will help me to show professionalism while being in a doctor of physical therapy program to working in the physical therapy field.
