vaytserr
Oct 1, 2016
Graduate / The core values of a successful therapist will not change [3]
Hey there! Thanks for your input! I have finished my essay and shortened it. Here is the final draft, please let me know what you think!
TOPIC: "What is professionalism in the context of being a student in a doctor of physical therapist degree program?"
Physical therapists are expected to be fundamental members of a patient's health care team, working together with other health professionals to treat patients from every angle. My core values define who I am as a person. These values have always led me to maintain a high level of professionalism that I believe will guide me in my education and in my future career as a Physical Therapist. I believe that I exemplify the accountability, maturity, professional duty, and social responsibility that will make me a valuable addition to a DPT program, as well as a professional DPT.
When I began my undergraduate career at Virginia Commonwealth University, I declared Biology as my major with a pre-medicine track. As it turned out, this was not the best decision as I struggled with some courses, particularly organic chemistry. I remained on this track for two years determined that my strong work ethic would push me to success. Despite using all of the resources available and spending my weekends studying in the library, my efforts were not working and unfortunately my grade point average suffered. It was only after a discussion with my family that I realized that this was a learning experience and I needed to make a change that would allow me to be successful. In my junior year, I changed my major to Health, Physical Education, and Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Science. Once I began to take classes in my new major I knew I had made the right decision. I loved what I was learning. Even though I wish that I had declared my major as Exercise Science from the start, I learned a great deal from the situation. During this experience I discovered I had to be held accountable for both my successes and failures. I learned to understand my shortcomings which will allow me to become the best physical therapist I can be.
Throughout my education, I have always felt a responsibility to educate myself on topics that I did not fully understand. While working as a Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Technician (PT Tech), I have taken it upon myself to learn as much as possible about patient care, diagnoses, post-operative exercise protocols, special tests and much more. Whether looking up the answer to a question on the internet, or asking a therapist a question, I am always looking to learn more. At my current job as a PT Tech at Colonial Orthopaedics, they have "Lunch and Learn sessions", where the therapists discuss different articles, practice new exercises, modalities and special tests that they learned from their Continuing Education courses or on their own. I was given the opportunity to sit in on these discussions and practice techniques along with the therapists. I hope to take the things that I have learned from sessions and apply them to my own education during the DPT program and later in my professional career.
The health care and fitness community is brimming with professionals. As a result, many specialty services overlap. Physical therapists need to promote the profession beyond the practice setting to maintain competitive. As a prospective DPT student, I have participated in several activities that helped to promote the profession. During the summer of 2011 while interning at the McGuire Veteran Affairs Medical Center, I helped to organize the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG). Along with the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders therapy and research staff, I recruited new athletes and helped them to better train for the events that they would be competing in during the games. I also helped the Commonwealth Sports Medicine staff with medical assistance at the Capital 10-miler in Richmond, VA. At this event we aided runners with general first aid, and rapid assessment of medical needs. During my time working at Colonial Orthopaedics, I was given the chance to volunteer at their Prescription Drug Take Back event. In partnership with the DEA, Colonial Heights Police and the Colonial Heights Sentinels we collected potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs, over the counter medications, vitamins, and pet medications for disposal. Working alongside these community volunteers helps build relationships with other health providers and the community to address a critical health and safety issue.
Physical therapists have a responsibility to promote an open and honest relationship with the general public. This social responsibility includes advocating for changes in laws and policies that affect the practice of physical therapy. In today's health care system, political advocacy has a large impact on the profession as a whole. This awareness is as important for students as it is for physical therapists already practicing. Students need to be aware of the laws and regulations that are going to be impacting their practice when they graduate. Whether educating patients on their insurance limitations, like the Medicare caps or calling State Senators to express our views on healthcare bills that affect the practice of physical therapy, it is our duty to ensure accessibility for all patients who need it.
The APTA definition of professionalism states that "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" (Stern DT). I believe that I embody all the qualities of professionalism that make me a well-rounded individual as well as a future Doctor of Physical Therapy student. I would be a valuable addition to a DPT degree program. Through my observation and employment experiences I was able to get a comprehensive view of the profession. Physical therapy is a field that is constantly advancing, and I am excited to aide and guide patients through their recovery and help promote the profession as a student and beyond. My enthusiasm and passion for the field will continue to grow as I develop as a DPT student and expand my core values to achieve my goals as a professional.
Hey there! Thanks for your input! I have finished my essay and shortened it. Here is the final draft, please let me know what you think!
TOPIC: "What is professionalism in the context of being a student in a doctor of physical therapist degree program?"
Physical therapists are expected to be fundamental members of a patient's health care team, working together with other health professionals to treat patients from every angle. My core values define who I am as a person. These values have always led me to maintain a high level of professionalism that I believe will guide me in my education and in my future career as a Physical Therapist. I believe that I exemplify the accountability, maturity, professional duty, and social responsibility that will make me a valuable addition to a DPT program, as well as a professional DPT.
When I began my undergraduate career at Virginia Commonwealth University, I declared Biology as my major with a pre-medicine track. As it turned out, this was not the best decision as I struggled with some courses, particularly organic chemistry. I remained on this track for two years determined that my strong work ethic would push me to success. Despite using all of the resources available and spending my weekends studying in the library, my efforts were not working and unfortunately my grade point average suffered. It was only after a discussion with my family that I realized that this was a learning experience and I needed to make a change that would allow me to be successful. In my junior year, I changed my major to Health, Physical Education, and Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Science. Once I began to take classes in my new major I knew I had made the right decision. I loved what I was learning. Even though I wish that I had declared my major as Exercise Science from the start, I learned a great deal from the situation. During this experience I discovered I had to be held accountable for both my successes and failures. I learned to understand my shortcomings which will allow me to become the best physical therapist I can be.
Throughout my education, I have always felt a responsibility to educate myself on topics that I did not fully understand. While working as a Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Technician (PT Tech), I have taken it upon myself to learn as much as possible about patient care, diagnoses, post-operative exercise protocols, special tests and much more. Whether looking up the answer to a question on the internet, or asking a therapist a question, I am always looking to learn more. At my current job as a PT Tech at Colonial Orthopaedics, they have "Lunch and Learn sessions", where the therapists discuss different articles, practice new exercises, modalities and special tests that they learned from their Continuing Education courses or on their own. I was given the opportunity to sit in on these discussions and practice techniques along with the therapists. I hope to take the things that I have learned from sessions and apply them to my own education during the DPT program and later in my professional career.
The health care and fitness community is brimming with professionals. As a result, many specialty services overlap. Physical therapists need to promote the profession beyond the practice setting to maintain competitive. As a prospective DPT student, I have participated in several activities that helped to promote the profession. During the summer of 2011 while interning at the McGuire Veteran Affairs Medical Center, I helped to organize the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG). Along with the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders therapy and research staff, I recruited new athletes and helped them to better train for the events that they would be competing in during the games. I also helped the Commonwealth Sports Medicine staff with medical assistance at the Capital 10-miler in Richmond, VA. At this event we aided runners with general first aid, and rapid assessment of medical needs. During my time working at Colonial Orthopaedics, I was given the chance to volunteer at their Prescription Drug Take Back event. In partnership with the DEA, Colonial Heights Police and the Colonial Heights Sentinels we collected potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs, over the counter medications, vitamins, and pet medications for disposal. Working alongside these community volunteers helps build relationships with other health providers and the community to address a critical health and safety issue.
Physical therapists have a responsibility to promote an open and honest relationship with the general public. This social responsibility includes advocating for changes in laws and policies that affect the practice of physical therapy. In today's health care system, political advocacy has a large impact on the profession as a whole. This awareness is as important for students as it is for physical therapists already practicing. Students need to be aware of the laws and regulations that are going to be impacting their practice when they graduate. Whether educating patients on their insurance limitations, like the Medicare caps or calling State Senators to express our views on healthcare bills that affect the practice of physical therapy, it is our duty to ensure accessibility for all patients who need it.
The APTA definition of professionalism states that "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" (Stern DT). I believe that I embody all the qualities of professionalism that make me a well-rounded individual as well as a future Doctor of Physical Therapy student. I would be a valuable addition to a DPT degree program. Through my observation and employment experiences I was able to get a comprehensive view of the profession. Physical therapy is a field that is constantly advancing, and I am excited to aide and guide patients through their recovery and help promote the profession as a student and beyond. My enthusiasm and passion for the field will continue to grow as I develop as a DPT student and expand my core values to achieve my goals as a professional.