Although I didn’t initially choose physical therapy as a career in healthcare, my true passion was discovered while applying to Drexel University for my undergraduate studies. While pursuing a major in biomedical engineering and aiming to design prosthetics and other supplies, I realized that engineering wasn’t the right path after being required to take AP Calculus by my pre-calculus teacher. However, through volunteering and gaining exposure to physical therapy, I developed a stronger passion and became determined to pursue a career leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The DPT program at Drexel allowed me to fully commit myself and gain comprehensive knowledge in various aspects of physical therapy.
In 2009, instead of pursuing my dream of becoming a biomedical engineer, I explored different healthcare careers. During that year, my cousin was involved in a severe car accident that almost caused him to lose the use of his legs. The doctors were uncertain about the extent of his leg injury due to multiple fractures. As a result, he underwent reconstructive surgery on his legs and began attending physical therapy sessions three times a week.
Although I couldn’t be present for every session, whenever I did attend, I developed a strong passion for this field. Observing my cousin’s determination and witnessing how the physical therapists diligently worked to help him regain full functionality in his legs after the accident disproved the doctors’ doubts and brought immense joy to my cousin.
Over the past four years, my dedication to the field of physical therapy has grown stronger through volunteering at various clinics. At NovaCare in Bristol, PA, I had the opportunity to actively participate and learn under the guidance of a physical therapist. This involved observing evaluations and stretching techniques performed by other therapists, as well as interacting with patients. When I struggled to understand certain concepts, the therapist would assign homework questions for me to complete and discuss later on, greatly enhancing my comprehension.
One particular experience that stood out was attending an auditing class on foot and ankle treatment at NovaCare. During this class, I witnessed different techniques such as taping, distractions, and orthotic usage. Furthermore, I gained hands-on experience in performing passive stretches and distractions myself. Additionally, I learned how to create a mold of a foot after aligning it into a neutral position.
My second volunteering experience occurred at St. Mary Medical Center’s inpatient rehabilitation facility. The pace was slower on Sundays because it served as a makeup day for patients who missed some of their therapy hours during the week. I helped unstable patients by accompanying them in wheelchairs, escorting them to and from therapy sessions, and providing guidance during exercises like marching or wheel-kicking. This facility primarily treated patients recovering from hip or knee replacement surgeries and accidents.
Witnessing the positive impact of my work has made physical therapy an incredibly fulfilling career choice for me. Guiding patients through progressively more challenging exercises allows me to see their progress as they return to their pre-injury state. My volunteer experiences have sparked a deep passion for the field of physical therapy.
Starting at NovaCare, some patients I initially met were discharged by the time I finished, allowing me to witness their progress through their programs and gain insight into the profession. Although physical therapy wasn’t always my dream career, it has now become so. Now I find myself on the other side of the coin, as a biomedical engineer designing prosthetics and medical supplies to benefit patients. Pairing my knowledge of physical therapy with this role, I can teach patients how to utilize prosthetics and supplies to regain what they once had. If accepted into the graduate portion of the 3+3 program, I can turn my dream into reality and fully engage in the healthcare field.
