Hello, here is my essay for application to Physical Therapy school. Any feedback will be welcome. I feel like I have not yet expressed my passion for the work, so I am struggling with that aspect. A little of my background for you - I am 33 and currently employed working for my fiance's family business so this career switch is a big deal for me. Thanks! Misty
The essay topic: Which personal characteristics and motivating factors have led you to pursue the profession of physical therapy? 4500 word max
I am an outdoor enthusiast filling my spare time with hiking, biking and boating. I feel that my love of outdoor activities has fueled my interests in physical therapy. I have come to appreciate my body for allowing me to achieve the physical challenges I pursue.
One of my introductory experiences with physical therapy occurred a few years ago when my fiancï, Chris, began experiencing knee pain after routine hiking trips around our property. He was referred for physical therapy by an orthopedic physician. The therapist provided Chris with several hip strengthening exercises and stretches explaining that he was experiencing deferred pain in his knees resulting from weakness in his hips. The concept of using a relatively simple exercise and stretching program to correct an imbalance issue with body mechanics was inspiring.
I enjoy working with people and I am naturally an observant and analytical person so my intuitive skills complement the work of a physical therapist. While completing my volunteer hours working with patients in rehabilitation I have realized that I take my body and physical capabilities for granted. I am rewarded by witnessing the achievement of goals the patients have set for themselves with guidance and support from the physical therapist. In just one hundred hours of volunteer service I have collected dozens of celebratory moments with patients. Those experiences range from the joy of witnessing a radial head prosthesis patient touch her nose, to encouraging a total knee patient to push the stationary bike petals through one complete motion, or simply following a low endurance patient with her wheel chair while she struggled to walk a distance of 150 feet through the hospital corridor. The achievement of each physical challenge demonstrated progress and provided the patient with hope for recovery. Through my job shadowing opportunities I gained the understanding that each patient experiences the healing process differently. Coping with pain and measuring success is highly individualized. I learned to focus on the patient response rather than academic expectations about the patient's condition. This individualized approach to healing is one of the many aspects of the profession that motivates me to become a physical therapist.
A teamwork approach has been employed in most of the rehabilitation settings where I have volunteered. Most recently in an acute inpatient setting I was invited to observe a team meeting held between the full staff of health care providers including the occupational, physical and, speech therapist, nursing staff, the attending medical physician as well as a social worker. I found this comprehensive team approach encouraging. Not only will the patient's healing process greatly benefit from the discussion shared by the team of health care professionals but the system of providing healthcare at this facility can become more efficient as a result of sharing and acknowledging various perspectives. I am a self-starter capable of analyzing situations, troubleshooting and formulating a plan of action, but I prefer to work with a team. It has been my experience that ideas can be better developed through group discussion. When working in a group setting team members tend to develop an inherent ownership of the project and provide fellow participants with support and structure otherwise lacking.
The success of physical therapy is dependent upon a team work approach. It appears to me that the physical therapist and the patient must work together to outline attainable goals. This cannot be achieved without proper communication. My interaction with patients while volunteering is limited due to the lack of formal training and safety concerns. However, I have taken pride in the fact that I can hold a good conversation. Making small talk comes easily to me and I find that it is priceless throughout therapy. A good conversation helps to build trust. My communication skills include being a good listener as well as an excellent observer and I am not afraid to ask difficult questions. I am capable of being direct without lacking compassion.
Through an education in physical therapy I will develop the technical skills and knowledge to help people live healthy active lives. My personality traits are suited for the profession and with my interest and intellect I am prepared for the rigorous coursework.
The essay topic: Which personal characteristics and motivating factors have led you to pursue the profession of physical therapy? 4500 word max
I am an outdoor enthusiast filling my spare time with hiking, biking and boating. I feel that my love of outdoor activities has fueled my interests in physical therapy. I have come to appreciate my body for allowing me to achieve the physical challenges I pursue.
One of my introductory experiences with physical therapy occurred a few years ago when my fiancï, Chris, began experiencing knee pain after routine hiking trips around our property. He was referred for physical therapy by an orthopedic physician. The therapist provided Chris with several hip strengthening exercises and stretches explaining that he was experiencing deferred pain in his knees resulting from weakness in his hips. The concept of using a relatively simple exercise and stretching program to correct an imbalance issue with body mechanics was inspiring.
I enjoy working with people and I am naturally an observant and analytical person so my intuitive skills complement the work of a physical therapist. While completing my volunteer hours working with patients in rehabilitation I have realized that I take my body and physical capabilities for granted. I am rewarded by witnessing the achievement of goals the patients have set for themselves with guidance and support from the physical therapist. In just one hundred hours of volunteer service I have collected dozens of celebratory moments with patients. Those experiences range from the joy of witnessing a radial head prosthesis patient touch her nose, to encouraging a total knee patient to push the stationary bike petals through one complete motion, or simply following a low endurance patient with her wheel chair while she struggled to walk a distance of 150 feet through the hospital corridor. The achievement of each physical challenge demonstrated progress and provided the patient with hope for recovery. Through my job shadowing opportunities I gained the understanding that each patient experiences the healing process differently. Coping with pain and measuring success is highly individualized. I learned to focus on the patient response rather than academic expectations about the patient's condition. This individualized approach to healing is one of the many aspects of the profession that motivates me to become a physical therapist.
A teamwork approach has been employed in most of the rehabilitation settings where I have volunteered. Most recently in an acute inpatient setting I was invited to observe a team meeting held between the full staff of health care providers including the occupational, physical and, speech therapist, nursing staff, the attending medical physician as well as a social worker. I found this comprehensive team approach encouraging. Not only will the patient's healing process greatly benefit from the discussion shared by the team of health care professionals but the system of providing healthcare at this facility can become more efficient as a result of sharing and acknowledging various perspectives. I am a self-starter capable of analyzing situations, troubleshooting and formulating a plan of action, but I prefer to work with a team. It has been my experience that ideas can be better developed through group discussion. When working in a group setting team members tend to develop an inherent ownership of the project and provide fellow participants with support and structure otherwise lacking.
The success of physical therapy is dependent upon a team work approach. It appears to me that the physical therapist and the patient must work together to outline attainable goals. This cannot be achieved without proper communication. My interaction with patients while volunteering is limited due to the lack of formal training and safety concerns. However, I have taken pride in the fact that I can hold a good conversation. Making small talk comes easily to me and I find that it is priceless throughout therapy. A good conversation helps to build trust. My communication skills include being a good listener as well as an excellent observer and I am not afraid to ask difficult questions. I am capable of being direct without lacking compassion.
Through an education in physical therapy I will develop the technical skills and knowledge to help people live healthy active lives. My personality traits are suited for the profession and with my interest and intellect I am prepared for the rigorous coursework.
