Physical Therapy is a Doctoring Profession
"The Doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease."
- Thomas Edison
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Over recent years Physical Therapy has transitioned to a required Doctoral Degree
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This means a high priority on research-driven practice
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Patient management to screen for conditions that may benefit from other health professions
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Comprehensive scope of practuce including vestibular,visual, postconcussive, neurologic, and muskuloskeletal care to name a few
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In Colorado Physical Therapists have direct access meaning there is no referral neccessary to recieve care
Self Reflection
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I have learned to manage patients, collaborate with and refer them to other medical professionals to ensure patients receive the care they need.
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I now understand that every patient has a unique set of circumstances medically and socially that can substantially impact their recovery.
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I am a soon-to-be DPT excited to help shape the profession to embrace our autonomous practice as we place our patients first.
Service and Social Justice
Car-ynne'4 kids
This was likely the most impactful service experience I had during my time at Regis. It showed me the profound impact of communication but also barriers to access that lower socioeconomic groups face. This is an incredible organization that is able to lead to substantial change in their patient's lives impacting them both medically and emotionally. Unfortunately, hippotherapy isn't reimbursed by insurance making it accessible only by those with fiscal means. It warmed my heart watching the impact that the horses had on patients. This was bitter sweet knowing so many children in particular that could benefit from this type of intervention that will never have the option.
Easter Seals Respite Care
II am beyond grateful to have my health but it is so easy to forget about the amazing heart that care providers of those with disabilities have. This experience allowed me to see the benefit of providing care providers with a break to take care of their own mental health or manage other aspects of their lives. It also opened my eyes to the humanity of populations who communicate nonverbally. Until my time at Regis, I've often found myself uncomfortable with those who are nonverbal but I now understand how sensory stimulation can influence people differently and that some behaviors that may seem abnormal to me are perfectly normal for someone else and should be embraced.
Arvada Care and Rehabilitation Center
Arvada Care allowed me to work intergenerationally which helped me to connect with seniors. I was able to help run exercise classes, dances, and host a men's group. The most valuable aspect of this experience was to be able to see life from viewpoints with a much broader perspective and life experiences.
9-Health Fair
This was my first service experience through Regis and it was a great team-building experience. We spent the day at a local Ethiopian church providing health literacy education on top of health assessments. It was interesting to hear how even though some simple changes can positively influence your health that doesn't make them common knowledge. I loved the challenge of conveying this information in a simple way to empower people to take charge of their own health.
Power Punch Parkinsons
Power Punch Parkinsons was an opportunity I found through the Salvation Army using the demands of boxing to combat the effects of Parkinson's disease. What I enjoyed most about this opportunity was seeing the tenacity of those with Parkinson's to fight their disease, seeking an opportunity to feel their limitations and strive to push past them.
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Autonomous Practice
During my time at Regis I have learned to become an autonomous practitioner in my coursework by understanding how to ensure evaluate a patient's needs in order to be sure they are covered by insurance, when to refer them to other necessary providers and how to assess the influence of their environment on their health. During schooI I also took the initiative to study to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist in order to maximize my ability to prescribe exercise for my patients as a more autonomous clinician. Seeking out education beyond mandatory continuing education will remain a cornerstone of my practice so that I can provide the most comprehensive and quality care that my patients require. The next step in my journey will be completing an orthopedic residency.
Professional Advocacy
Professional Memberships
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APTA Student Member
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CO APTA State Member
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AAOMPT Student Member and Student Representative
Professional Meetings Attended
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APTA CSM 2020 (Denver)
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CO State Board of Directors Meeting (Regis University)
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APTA Fall Rocky Mountain Conference (Vail)
Intercultural Development Inventory
IDI Reflection
My orientation categories while staying the same have shown growth. That being said I still perceive myself as more accepting than I actually am. While Minimization allows me to connect with people of diverse backgrounds that is only when I am able to draw commonalities between us, illustrating that I have a difficult time when these cant be seen. Over the course of my career, this is something I will need to explore and develope.