2 Years Down, 1 to Go: Reflecting on My 2nd Year as a DPT Student.

By: Maggie Bates
3rd Year DPT Student at UT Southwestern in Dallas, TX
President of the Texas Student Physical Therapy Association

Wait...I've been doing this non-stop school thing for how long now? That's right, two years of all day classes, patient labs, and endless studying have gone by. Sometimes I think back to my first day of PT school and it seems like yesterday, but at other times I think it feels like such a long time ago. Either way, I can definitely say I've learned more than just how to manual muscle test or write a SOAP note.

#1. It gets easier!

I promise! Yes, the classes get harder and you have more responsibility, but I found as you make it past the one year mark you find your "groove". Time management becomes easier, you know about how much studying it takes to make the grades you want, and you actually start to feel like you could treat a patient without hurting them. 

#2. Professional advocacy is not just for professionals.

On the contrary, STUDENTS are where it's at. As PTA and PT students, we have to take charge of our profession now. We are the future of physical therapy, and while it is easy to sit back and assume someone else is going to ensure that we have Direct Access, fair student loan repayment, or adequate reimbursement for our services, this is not the case. YOUR voice and dedication to the profession now is what counts. 

#3. It's not too early to job hunt.

Graduation will be here sooner than you know it! Even if you don't know what type of setting you want to work in at this point, it's beneficial to start thinking about what your ideal work environment would be like. A great way to do this is by talking with vendors at local conferences; they can give you great insight into what their company values, and the you can decide if that jives with you. Clinical rotations are also  a great way to decide what you like and dislike about certain work environments!

#4. APTA Special Interest Group Memberships are worth the money.

Yes, it's an extra $10 out of your bank account, but for those $10 you get a lot of great resources as a student. If your school is as into research as mine is, you'll definitely benefit from the journal subscriptions you get at a lower price than you would as a professional!

#5. Your classmates are still your best friends.
Sure, you probably see these people more than you get to see your family, but the memories you make with them will last a lifetime. Continue to rely on them for the support and encouragement you need to get through the rest of school!

Do you have any personal words of wisdom or advice you'd like to share about your second year of PT or PTA school? If so, comment below!

Looking Back On My First Year of PT School

By: Greg Perry, TSPTA Vice President

This is the first of a 3 part series from TSPTA board members reflecting on what we learned from our corresponding years in PT school. Enjoy!

So, as I’m sitting here looking back on the last 12 months of my life I’m pretty shocked at how far I’ve come and how much things have changed. Being only 2 weeks into my second year of PT school, the first year is still pretty fresh on my mind.

No better time than the present to share some reflections on what I’ve learned from my first year in UT Southwestern’s DPT program than now!

1. WE HAVEN’T EVEN KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR A YEAR???

UTSW DPT Class of 2017 relaxing after finishing the spring semester 

This conversation came up in the elevator at the end of 3rd semester finals week (about 3 weeks ago?).  On the way up I walked into a conversation between a couple of my classmates that went something like, “Can you believe we haven’t even known each other a year yet?”  Really?!

If I would have thought about it beforehand I probably knew we hadn't know each other that long yet, but at the time that was a revolutionary thought to me.

I spent 4 years in high school and another 4 years in my undergraduate with the same people every day and I don’t know half as much about any of them (combined) as I know about the other 35 people in my PT class right now.

Spend as much time with your classmates as your can, both in class and outside of it. They quickly become way more than just classmates! Nobody will understand what you’re going through or what you’re talking about (#PTprobs) like they will! Your PT family will always be right there with you!

The class above us and our professors always say “Your classmates will become your family” and they were 110% right about that.

2. “The hardest FUN you’ll ever LOVE”

I heard this quote from a professor during our DPT program orientation and thought to myself  “Oh joy.”  Everyone knows PT school is tough and you have to devote a lot of your time to it. That’s expected. But, it takes on a little more “bite” when it's not something way off in the distance… and you start tomorrow!

I’ve seen PT school described as having 2 full time jobs. One sitting in class and learning and the second spent refining, and understanding what your learned in the first.

That’s a pretty fair assessment.

That being said, I’m completely okay with taking on the challenge! While studying to 2 AM for an 8 o’clock final or practical may put your dedication to the test, it just makes crossing the finish line that much sweeter!

And, when you finally make it to the top after that 1st year,  as your standing on the peak of that mountain and looking back,  you really can say, “That was tough…. But that was REALLY cool.”

3. You Reap What You Sow

Odds are pretty good that this time last year I couldn’t tell you a single thing about the glute med. Not a single thing.

I use that as an example because it’s incredible what you can learn in a year.  PT school is material dense and there is a lot of expectation on you to learn and understand. Just remember, you wouldn’t be here if you couldn’t handle it!

Review back to the idea of two full time jobs. I started off the year thinking I could probably get away with still keeping my old routine from undergrad...couple hours of TV a night, watching ALL of the NBA playoff games, etc.

I learned pretty quickly it doesn’t work that way!

I had to change the way I studied, focus more on the application of material and not so much on rogue memorization. In a field like Physical therapy where every patient is different and the cookie cutter approach just doesn’t cut it, you have to learn to be flexible.

That in-itself was probably the hardest part about the first year of PT school to me. Learning to think on my feet, to be innovative and to apply what you know, not just fitting it into a multiple-choice question.

But once I got comfortable and learned how to apply my knowledge, I found myself wondering how I ever learned course content any other way. Like the title implied, you will get out what you put in. The more you put into your PT education the more it will give back to you!

Reaping what you sow is a really good Segway into my next topic…

4. PT School is Way More Than Just Going to Class and Passing Tests

I didn’t come into PT school knowing I was going to run for a position on the TSPTA student board. I didn’t even know what it was.

I didn’t know I would go to the Combined Sections Meeting and meet people I had only read about online or had seen in textbooks.

CSM 2016 - Anaheim, CA

I really didn’t know I would ever sit in on a TPTA board of directors meeting, or public relations meeting as a student liaison.

But I did!

Doing things like attending the Federal Advocacy Forums, TPTA Annual Meeting, TPTA District Meetings, networking at district PT-on-Tap night and attending CSM are all examples of what PT school can be for PT and PTA students throughout Texas!

Students throughout the state have the opportunity to do as much or as little as they choose.  Whether you are interested in the advocacy or political side of physical therapy or just want to now about current “hot topics” there is always something to do.

You never know you just might enjoy yourself!

The TPTA and the districts have events at the local, state and federal levels every year.  There is always something coming up to attend and student involvement is always welcome!!

P.S District meetings are great networking opportunities and everyone is always more than happy to talk with students!! You never know, you just might meet a future employer or a new mentor!

                                                                CSM 2016 with Stephania Bell

5. “Get COMFORTABLE being UNCOMFORTABLE!”

I LOVE this quote.

I first heard it while listening to a speech given by a guest lecture in a talk set up at UTSW. The main idea of the talk that day was to not let complacency or fear of the unknown guide your path to where you want to go.

I might not have blinked at all for that hour because I was so into what the speaker was saying.

I got a lot out of that lecture and I think it was one of the real big moments when I decided that I would try to do more and be more involved! I even put the phrase on my desk as motivation!

Just “get comfortable being uncomfortable” and take on a challenge you normally wouldn’t do! That’s the best way to better yourself and learn from a new experience.

Just remember, “Doubt has killed more dreams than failure ever will”! So go give it a try!

Greg Perry, SPT
TSPTA Vice-President
UTSW DPT Class of 2017

2016 APTA Federal Advocacy Forum

This April, the TSPTA in conjunction with the TPTA Membership Committee provided four physical therapy students with $250 scholarships to attend APTA’s Federal Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C.. After they returned, we asked them the following questions:


Why did you want to attend FAF?


What was your favorite part of FAF?


What is the biggest thing you learned from attending FAF?


Do you plan on attending again in the future?


Check out their responses below!


Elizabeth Brewer, SPT (Texas Women’s University – Houston, TX)


Why did you want to attend FAF?

I wanted to attend FAF because physical therapy is an evolving field.  Within the last couple of decades physical therapy has changed immensely.  If we want to continue to be the ones to shape our field, we have to talk to our legislators about what is important to us as a profession.  Realistically, I can work hard to be the best clinician that I am able to be and legislation can be passed dictating how I practice. If that happens we are suddenly not able to practice the way that is best for our patients.  If we do not tell our legislators about how certain laws affect our patients, we lose our voice in how we are able to treat them. I wanted to go to FAF so that I could shape the ways in which I am able to practice.

What was your favorite part of FAF?

While I enjoyed speaking with my representatives and having my voice heard, my favorite part of FAF was meeting other motivated therapists from around the country and hearing about the work that they are doing to forward our profession.


What was the biggest lesson you learned from attending FAF?

The biggest lesson that I learned was that what happens in on The Hill has a meaningful impact on our patients. I watched a video addressed to a congressman made by a patient about how the Medicare Therapy Cap had affected her ability to seek care. It was very powerful to hear her story and to be able to share it with her representative so that hopefully that law can be changed for her and all ofour patients affected by the cap.


Do you plan to attend again in the future?

Definitely!


Chris Scott, SPT (UT Southwestern Medical Center – Dallas, TX)


Why did you want to attend FAF?

I looked to attend the Federal Advocacy Forum in DC because of my passion and pursuit of knowledge in regards to this profession. I stand firm in my belief that advocacy for any line of work is what allows the profession to grow, evolve and adapt to the ever so dynamic society we live in today. This first trip to DC for me served as a stepping-stone to put my foot in the door into entering the federal advocacy picture. Serving as a federal spokesperson, one can look to be a part of the change, and that’s what I look to do.


What was your favorite part of FAF?

My favorite part about the Forum was definitely witnessing and connecting with the hundreds of students and professionals that shared a common variable which was advocating for their profession, and more importantly their patients. The Forum would be nothing without the people who attended.


What was the biggest lesson you learned from attending FAF?

The biggest lesson I learned from attending FAF was the amount of work it takes to attempt to make changes in this line of work. I was relatively unaware of the logistics of advocacy as well as the process it takes to make changes at a federal level. This Forum did an incredible job in my opinion of explaining the importance of advocacy and the way in which you may be able to put it in place from everywhere from your university or clinic all the way to the national level.

Do you plan to attend again in the future?

I definitely plan to attend the Forum in the future, as it was a great experience. The connections I made with students and professionals that shared the same passion about the profession made it so worth it. Coming together, learning about the issues we looked to advocate for and then taking it to the Hill first hand was very enjoyable and easy to see the immediate impact.

Jennifer Webb, SPT (Texas Women’s University – Dallas, TX)

Why did you want to attend FAF?

I attended PT Capitol Hill Day in 2015 (thanks to TSPTA!) and was immediately hooked on professional advocacy! I couldn’t wait to return in 2016 and reconnect with fellow inspiring advocates I had met last year, and meet so many more this year. There isn’t anything more important I could invest my time and energy into for my future career than to ensure protection and progression for PT professional and patient rights.


What was your favorite part of FAF?

Attending the Federal Advocacy Forum, I was blown away by the passion and dedication of everyone leaving their lives and responsibilities for three days to meet with the legislators who make things actually happen on the Hill. Witnessing hundreds of physical therapy professionals, leadership, and students walking the halls of our national offices and having important conversations about real physical therapy issues was empowering and inspiring. It made me realize the great strides those before me have accomplished in order to transform the PT profession into how we know it today, and how excited I am to continue this progress for all of us in the future.


What was the biggest lesson you learned from attending FAF?

Ultimately, my involvement in federal advocacy has really shown me how valuable it is to be involved in caring for and shaping the future of a profession I so passionately care about. When I see how simple it is to be a part of a process making huge, influential changes impacting our practice, I get a sense of having my finger on the “pulse” of PT. It is exciting and so very meaningful as a student, and I know it will only become more meaningful as I continue as a professional.

Do you plan to attend again in the future?

I can’t wait to return in 2017! It will be extra exciting as it will be a state legislative year in February on top of the federal advocacy forum in April! This forum is something I intend to make a professional commitment to throughout my career for as long as I am able to attend. I look forward to following up on my legislative contacts I have formed with my representatives, senators, and their legal counsels. Advocacy is a marathon and I am definitely in this race! Thank you again for this opportunity!

Christina Cocking (UIW, San Antonio), Bethany Uhl (TWU Dallas) and Jennifer Webb (TWU Dallas)


Texas Advocates on the steps of the Capital Building


APTA Student Assembly and all of the student advocates at the FAF 2016!


Blaise Bourgeois, SPT (University of St. Augustine – Austin, TX)


Why did you want to attend FAF?

One of the things I mentioned in all of my applications when applying for PT school was my interest in staying active in advocating for my profession. I appreciate the hard work that goes in to pushing legislation and defending our interests and I understand the importance of strength in numbers. Attending the FAF was a goal of mine and I am lucky to have attended the Forum in just my first year of PT school.


What was your favorite part of FAF?

There was so much going on at the forum that it is hard to delineate a favorite part. From registration until my last meeting on Capital Hill, we were kept extremely busy with guest speakers, presentations, break out educational sessions, and socials. It did feel good, however, to walk out that last Capital Hill meeting with a feeling of such accomplishment. There was so much build up to our Hill meetings, and to finally execute them after all the preparation and anticipation was very satisfying.


What was the biggest lesson you learned from attending FAF?

I have never been one to think that effort in any case goes unnoticed, but after attending the FAF I have truly learned just how big of an impact I could have by advocating our issues. It was pleasantly surprising to witness how attentive and concerned our representatives and their staff were to our issues. It was equally surprising to see how little they knew of the Bills we were advocating for, but their legitimate questions and concerns showed that they were listening. I look forward to following how our representatives support us with their votes in the near future.


Do you plan to attend again in the future?

I have fully committed myself to attending the Federal Advocacy Forum on a yearly basis, I have also challenged myself and the other students who attended the forum to bring 2 more students with them next year. I can not begin to explain how enlightening and life changing attending the FAF has been for me. More than just advocating, it was a great opportunity to meet such influential people in our profession and absorb the advice they would give to us students. For anyone who is remotely interested in attending a future advocacy forum, I can promise you it will be an experience that you will never forget.

Missed out on CSM 2016?

The TSPTA has you covered. Greg and Maggie had the opportunity to attend CSM in Anaheim, California and have compiled a list of highlights you should know about.

#1 -This conference is way bigger than you could imagine. This year, attendance reached over 11,000 students and professionals. Networking opportunities are abundant, and there is a high chance of meeting a future employer or mentor!

#2 - You get the opportunity to meet some seriously cool people, for instance Stephania Bell from ESPN.

Presenters at CSM are all well-known physical therapists with incredible insight in every specialty you can think of, and all are very personable and approachable.

#3 -Interested in pursuing a residency or fellowship after you graduate? CSM offers a Residency Meet & Greet where residency/fellowship programs from around the country are all in one room for you to ask questions and get to know their program. Talk about convenience!

#4 -DISNEY!!! On some off time, you can explore the city you’re in, and we were lucky enough to be in walking distance of the happiest place on earth!

#5 -The continuing education courses at CSM cover LITERALLY every topic you could imagine. From courses such as Aquatic Neurorehabilitation Across the Lifespan, Symmetry with Limb Loss: Maximizing Function After Amputation , and Success in Private Practice, CSM has something interesting for everyone.

#6 -Exhibit Hall. Free stuff (including tennis shoes) and peak opportunity to network!!. Need we say more? We may or may not have collected over 150 pens.

               

P.S. CSM 2017 will be in San Antonio, TX! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend this amazing conference in your home state! Stay tuned for updates!