1. What is your occupation and job title?
My job title is a Physical Therapist. I work in an outpatient orthopedic setting where I mostly treat patients with sports related injuries or post operative diagnoses.
2. How did you hear about physical therapy and what motivated you towards the field?
I ended up having lateral knee pain as a result of training for a marathon and went to see a physical therapist as a result. I was interested in changing careers as I was a 3rd grade teacher at the time. I thought that I would fit well into this profession as I enjoy helping people and am also interested in sports related injuries. I shadowed a physical therapist in order to make sure that this was an occupation that I would enjoy and be successful at.
3. When did you know or how did you decide to pursue physical therapy as a career?
I knew after spending multiple volunteer hours shadowing various physical therapists in a variety of settings that this was a career move that I wanted to make. I also spent time researching various PT schools and visiting with students who were currently enrolled in PT school to help confirm my decision.
4. What characteristics are necessary to be successful in physical therapy?
Patience, empathy, efficiency, intelligence, ability to multi-task, problem solving skills, effective communication, ability to interact with diverse populations, good time management and determination.
5. When you wake up every morning, what do you look forward to most about your job?
I most look forward to knowing that I am helping people to be able to return to work, their activities of daily life, and (or) their athletic sport so that pain, etc. is no longer limiting their function. It is rewarding to know that I am helping people on a daily basis both physically and mentally. When someone comes in for their appointment session and has reaches a milestone/one of the goals that we have set for PT, it makes my day.
6. What is your least favorite part about your job?
The documentation aspect of my job is my least favorite part. We are required through our practice act to write a daily note as a result of each treatment session with an updated plan of care. This aspect is time consuming and difficult to manage in the mix of a busy day with patients.
7. How did you hear about and acquire your current job?
I learned about my current job through a friend of a friend. He is a physician’s assistant to one of the orthopedic surgeons and was aware that the practice was looking to hire an additional physical therapist as business was increasing. I e-mailed him regarding the opening position and he put me in contact with the manager o physical therapy.
8. What is the greatest challenge about your job?
One of the greatest challenges in my job is time-management and patience. Patients are seen on a 2:1 ratio of patient: physical therapist, so I often times am juggling 2 patients at one time while trying to meet both of theirs need and get my documentation done within the hour.
9. What would you look for in a resume and what would you recommend to do to boost a resume?
I would recommend trying to get as much experience in the field of physical therapy as possible i.e.: volunteering at a variety of different physical therapy clinics, working as a PT tech. I also look closely at letters of recommendation and overall GPA.
10. How much time did you spend in college to pursue physical therapy, what was your major?
I originally majored in elementary education and graduated with a Bachelors of Art in elementary education. I was a 3rd grade teacher for 4 years before deciding to switch careers to physical therapy. Therefore, I return to the University of Texas Texas State
11. In the future, do you plan to on broadening your experience in this field and how?
Yes, I am attending a continuing education McKenzie course this upcoming November in order to increase my skill base for treating cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. I also plan to research and attend courses to increase my knowledge of treating running injuries.
