Times Like These

Author: Jon Starr, SPT-3
Date: 3 APR 2020

Here we are, diving headfirst into a new decade. Spring of 2020. Spring. We typically associate this season with new life, new beginnings. But man, oh man…what a curveball we’ve been thrown. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a household term associated with the complete opposite of what spring stands for. Over 1 million cases worldwide, nearly 250,000 here at home in the United States…tens of thousands losing their lives because of this illness. What in the world are we experiencing??

As a Christian, a husband, a new father, and a third (and final) year DPT student, COVID-19 has become a catalyst for some of the best change I could have ever imagined. Obviously, this sounds really weird or strange to hear right off the bat but hear me out. One of the biggest takeaways from all of this is this: perspective is everything. While large social gatherings are banned for the time being, we GET to see the truth behind what church really is. We are the church. Not the building or the act of going to a building, but the people who call themselves Christians are the church. We GET to have our faith tested. We GET to grow together in unexpected ways (thank you Zoom!) As a husband, this is the first time in a long time that I have been able to spend a significant amount of quality time with my wife. We might be adhering to a stay-at-home order…but truthfully, we GET to stay at home together. This same governor-mandated order hasn’t pushed my terminal clinical rotations back. Instead, I GET to spend this extra time watching my newborn grow daily. I’m not forced to stay inside and study for my licensure exam. I GET to make time to focus on what I feel called to do (…just have to pass this exam first.) It’s all a matter of perspective.

If you’re like many of us, you have the news on…constantly. I hope that through all of the darkness we are experiencing, we continue to see stories of hope and love come to the forefront. It’s incredible that times like these have been the driving force behind our first responders, medical personnel, small businesses…the list goes on, are shown the appreciation and respect they truly deserve. We see strangers coming together, not physically but instead in solidarity, against this invisible monster that’s wreaking havoc on our daily lives. It’s terrible but it’s times like these that have helped the best in people to shine its brightest. From one of my favorite songs, the chorus of “Times Like These” by the Foo Fighters put it best:

It’s times like these you learn to live again
It’s times like these you give and give again
It’s times like these you learn to love again
It’s times like these time and time again

I pray that these times allow us all to grow and appreciate each day we are fortunate enough to experience. I pray that we come together to enhance the human experience of those around us in ways beyond those in the clinic. And most of all, I pray that whoever is reading this is healthy/well and finds hope to continue to put things in perspective through all of this. We will get through this. God bless.

Learning How to Juggle

Author: Jon Starr, SPT-3
Date: 6 MAR 2020

What exactly does it take to learn how to juggle? Can anyone and everyone learn how to do this? Can I do this? These questions might seem a little strange at first, but right now, I can’t stop reiterating them in my head.

Ever since I can remember, my parents have helped me to realize that I have been blessed with the ability to learn quickly. Don’t get me wrong…I’m most definitely human and have had/still have my fair share of experiences that lead me to believe otherwise. Whether it’s a new physical skill or attaining a new understanding of information, I would like to believe I never consider backing down. This new chapter in my life has allowed me to no longer question that belief in myself but instead has me experiencing something reinvigorating. This is the fact that there is no backing down right now.

After meeting my now-wife and realizing she’s the one person I want to spend the rest of my life/start a family with, I began to pray that having kids would be in our future. Fast forward to just a couple of weeks ago and we were blessed to welcome our daughter into the world. All of the excitement of becoming a parent…a dad!…had me over the moon. When we got to come home from the hospital, it hit me that this is game time. I never once considered putting my family on the back burner so-to-speak, but I knew that I would have to learn how to juggle being in my final year of PT school, studying for my licensure exam, and all of my new and awesome duties that come with being a dad.

While I’m still working on figuring out this whole new role of being a dad, I’m thankful to know I have the support of my friends and the faculty at my school. Everyone has lifted up my family in their prayers/sent good vibes to us which I know has made this transition much smoother than I could’ve otherwise expected. I have been given a ton of great advice centered around time management and learning to be flexible. A mentor I look up to (both literally and figuratively) gave me a piece of advice that I really valued: from here on out, life is a series of reactions; all you have to do is react to it to the best of your abilities. I’ve come to take this to heart recently since I have just started to chip away at licensure exam prep work while still making sure my family knows they are priority one to me. Although I haven’t mastered it quite yet, I have faith that I will learn to juggle my responsibilities to the best of my ability all in due time.

How to Nail the Practical Exam

Author: Abby Lewis, SPT-2
Date: 28 FEB 2020

Even as a 2nd year physical therapy student having completed multiple practical exams as well as working with patients in my first clinical, just the thought of practical exams terrifies me. My first practical exam in PT school was like nothing I had ever prepared for in my undergraduate degree; to say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. I always overthink everything and attempt to perfect every skill in preparation for them while forgetting to appreciate the reason why we have them in school – to imitate real-life scenarios with patients. While they aren’t the ideal representation of real patient scenarios, I was able to learn more about myself as a future physical therapist in the way that I interact with patients and demonstrate my knowledge and skills with each practical exam. Despite continuing to get nervous before practical exams, here is my method to tackling them:

1. Practice for the practical like you are taking the practical – don’t joke around when practicing with a partner and actually say what you say to a real patient in the scenario. Also, it helps me to have someone observe you working with the patient to provide feedback about performance.
2. Give honest feedback to your partner when practicing. It is better to learn that you have your hands in the wrong place or that you name wrong special test when you are practicing rather than when you are taking the practical exam. I promise, your partner will thank you later even if you feel like you are being overcritical. 
3. Breathe! It ALWAYS helps me to take a few seconds when I walk into the room to gather my thoughts and take some deep breaths before beginning. I tend to think a lot clearer and it enables me to calm my nerves down some before I attempt to word-vomit all of my knowledge to the professor.
4. It’s okay to make mistakes! If you realize you are working with the left side when the scenario was actually for the right side, just correct yourself. I know that the practical exams are normally graded based on perfection, but not every physical therapist will have a perfect treatment session for every patient. If you are able to correct yourself without prompting, usually your professor will appreciate it and see that you are demonstrating learning. 

If nothing else, just remember that you are a student and that if you were already a licensed PT you would not be in this program. Your professors aren’t expecting you to be perfect! These practicals are designed to be learning experiences to shape you into an awesome physical therapist when you graduate, so all you can do is try your best.

Time: When It Seems There Is Not Enough

Author: Lauren Scott, SPT-2
Date: 21 FEB 2020

When most people find out that I’m a single mom in graduate school their next comment looks something like this…. How do you manage raising a daughter and keeping up with the demands of PT school?  Well let me tell you it’s not easy but it is doable. Here are my top 3 tips for managing your time and not falling behind in school whether you’re a parent or not.  

1. Keep a schedule: I use google calendar because its free, easy to use and they have an app for access on my phone. Below is an example from a week during the fall semester in October 2019. Yes, I’m aware it looks crazy and hectic, but hear me out. Yellow is things that I must do every day like get ready, work out, and travel to school. Orange is my scheduled class times, gray is exam times, blue is studying, pink is my personal time, red is intramural games and purple is my class’s online calendar for important assignments or classes. In short, color coding can really help you to see where you’re devoting your time. I always add more time to my study block then I think I need. I do this because I know I always underestimate the time I think it takes to complete a task; therefore, I normally use the entire time. Keep in mind that you need to be flexible with your schedule because things come up all the time and that’s just a part of life. I write everything out but that doesn’t mean you have to, find what works for you and stick with it!
   
2. Task list: Create a list with deadlines, this will help you to know where you need to focus your time. I also use google task for this because it works so well with the google calendar system that I am already using. With google, I only include my hard deadline for assignments, projects and tasks needed to be completed for involved organizations. Plus, there is just so much satisfaction checking off each task as it is completed. For things that I need to review from previous weeks, I have a running sticky note on my desktop. This reminds me to review specifics that I did not understand or to review my Quizlet flashcards for the course.
3. Work smarter, Not harder: Instead of cramming for multiple hours before the exam then dumping all that information, study in short bursts. I repeat, study every day or almost every day especially for your more difficult courses. This allows your brain to process and retain information better. It also reduces your stress before an exam because you’ve touched the information so many times that you’re comfortable with the content. Remember the amount of time spent studying doesn’t always equal success.

One Clinical Down, Two More to Go!

Author: Nikita Patel, SPT-2
Date: 14 FEB 2020

 

This past week, I finished my very first clinical of the program. I spent the past six weeks at a VA outpatient clinic in Fayetteville, NC, working with both the retired and active duty military population. The diverse socioeconomic backgrounds of patients were interesting to see, along with the diversity of diagnoses. There would be times when all I saw throughout the day was chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain. Other times, I would see CVA, total joints, or Parkinson’s patients. If it was a slow day, I would get to observe or treat with active duty personnel. No one day was ever the same, which in turn kept me on my toes and constantly thinking of how to evaluate, treat, and progress patients. 

I also cannot leave out the amazing staff that I had the pleasure of working with. My CI was part of a team of PTs, PTAs, and OTs. It was an adjustment for me as I have never worked with PTAs and OTs. I learned how to communicate with them about patients I had evaluated, while also taking the time to learn from them. 

Coming into my first clinical after completing one year of PT school felt both exciting and nerve wracking. I had to understand that at my current level, it was alright to not always know the answer. I have not yet learned about most of the special populations; however, I did learn about simpler musculoskeletal and post-operative populations. This clinical was truly about fine tuning my examination skills, while also learning about new techniques and patient populations. 

If I were to give any advice about the first clinical, it would be this: be a sponge and absorb what you can. This is an excellent opportunity to adjust your clinical techniques and learn about topics that you will not always be taught in the program.

PT Has a Place in Every Setting

Author: Ryan Vrindten, SPT-2
Date: 31 JAN 2020

Before I started my journey in the Campbell DPT program, I was working as an aide in an outpatient clinic and loving every minute of it. It was fast paced, exciting, and exactly what I imagined working in the physical therapy field would be like. I understood that there were different settings, but I knew I wanted that classic outpatient orthopedic setting incorporated in the path I chose to follow for my professional career. Fast forward to our six-week clinical experience the DPT 2’s are wrapping up and my perspective has changed. 

I have learned that physical therapy has a purpose in every setting you can probably imagine, and each setting offers something special that will fuel your fire in becoming a Physical Therapist. I am currently in a skilled nursing facility, which I’ll be honest, I had never heard of prior to entering school here at Campbell. Working in this environment has brought a new and meaningful perspective to how different populations receive and utilize physical therapy in my eyes. Many of the patients have a difficult time performing some of the activities we may take for granted such as bathing ourselves or taking a walk to the mailbox which makes living alone for them unsafe. For this population of patients, most require physical therapy five times a week, as well as other disciplines to return to their prior level of function. In a different frame of mind, it is very intense for these patients to come in every day and work to reach their goals. But for all of them the reward is worth the work no matter the angle you look at the situation. 

Through their hard work and determination, I have not found a day yet during this clinical where I must look for motivation to work with my patients. Sure it may be a little slower than an outpatient clinic, but the excitement seen within my patients when they achieve their goal and their appreciation for what we do as Physical Therapists never leaves a dull moment. Now I’m not here saying that I will be doing a complete 180 come graduation on what area I want to pursue. But this experience has opened a new perspective for myself that I think everyone should consider during their journey into the physical therapy field. Don’t knock it until you try it. Every setting is different, some may overlap, but there will always be something that you can find to remind yourself why everyone should #choosePT. 

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Clinical

Author: Seraphina Wong, SPT-2
Date: 17 JAN 2020

To preface: beyond shadowing, I have not had any clinical experience prior to this, so some of the points may not be as applicable for those who have worked in a clinic.  As a young health care professional on their first clinical rotation, these are some of the things I wish I knew before I started:

1. The first week will be overwhelming.  I kind of already expected this, but I suppose it hit me harder than I expected. Between meeting everyone in the clinic, acclimating to a new environment, and having to wake up my brain from a long winter break, it was stressful.  I advise spending some time before your first day reviewing some information.
2. The practical exams and OSCE’s I did in preparation will be nothing in comparison to real people.  There’s no script, no easy diagnosis, and no clear direction for the “right” answer. This isn’t to say that those exams are a waste of time – they still prepared you for the clinic as best as they could while still staying in the confines of an objective assessment.  Just be prepared for things to not go your way.
3. Your clinical reasoning and way of thinking will be stretched in ways that it could not have been in the classroom.  You will learn new practice philosophies that you may or may not agree with but will nevertheless make you a better and more well-rounded clinician. 
4. The free time is phenomenal.  Once you’re done for the day at the clinic, you won’t have to go home and study or work on assignments.  You can catch up on all those shows you said you would watch but never did, or read a book, or pick up a new hobby…maybe cook yourself some real food.  Don’t get too used to it though; the 6 weeks will be over before you know it.
5. This will be a very rewarding experience and you’ll re-realize your love for the field.  When you’re in school it’s easy to get caught up in the due dates and books and forget the big picture.  Every day I get to see patients leave the clinic with less pain than when they came in and hopeful that they will be able to return to their previous level of function.  Every day I get better at what I do and slowly get on the path to be a more autonomous physical therapist.

‘Tis the Season

Author: Jarrett Barts, SPT-2
Date: 6 DEC 2019

Exams are over, the building is empty and it is time for a much-needed break. Approximately 176 days of classes after the year began, it is now over. This year has been long and grueling with countless papers, exams, projects, practicals, and miscellaneous assignments. Each had their own challenges, but now that it’s over it makes it so much more rewarding. Now after some relaxation and enjoyment we must prepare for what’s next. Campbell is graduating another DPT class of amazing clinicians in the coming days. Ten weeks of classes stand between the rising 3rd years and their final two clinical rotations while the rising 2nd years begin their first six week clinical with the new year. We also get to welcome the newest class of future physical therapists to Campbell with the new year, the class of 2022. ‘Tis the season of growth and change. From myself and all of us at Campbell, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Hip, Hip, Hooray Because it’s Going Tibia Ok!

Author: Nikita Patel, SPT 1
Date: 22 NOV 2019

Today marked the last day of class for my first year. To be quite honest, I am still in
shock. It feels just like yesterday that I was walking into my 1st lecture, eager and excited to start the next phase of my PT journey. Now, I have finished my last semester of my 1st year and am gearing up for my 1st clinical internship. Thinking about where I started and where I am now, it is clear to me how much I have grown as an SPT and as a person. I have gained a greater appreciation for the profession and have made connections with fellow SPTs from the state.
If I were to give any advice to the incoming class, I would tell them 3 things. 1. It is no
longer a competition. Once you are in the program, everyone is here to grow and grow together. Your fellow classmates and faculty members are your greatest assets and WANT to see you succeed. 2. Never forget to take care of yourself. If you cannot take care of yourself, how can you take care of others? I am a huge advocate for mental health and that has only gotten stronger after I started the program. Graduate school is a whole different beast compared to undergrad, and just knowing that it is ok to have some setbacks or not always get the grade you want will help you in the long run. We are humans and we are here in this program because we want to treat other humans. 3. Do not let studying consume your life. You can effectively study and still be able to hang out with your friends or do something fun on the weekends. It will be a process to find your groove and really know how to study the information, but asking others how they study or being open to the fact that not all classes use the same study method will again help you in the long run. Also, the professors are more than willing to talk to you about study strategies for their respective course.
I am extremely thankful for to all my classmates and faculty that have helped me through this first year. I can say that I have a second family who looks out for me and genuinely cares about me as a person and as an SPT. As my first year comes to a close, I look forward to honing in my clinical skills for 6 weeks at the beginning of next semester!

My First time at the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT) Annual Conference

Author: Sarah Hanvy, SPT-2
Date: 15 NOV 2019

Recently, I traveled to Orlando, Florida with several of my classmates to attend AAOMPT 2019. This conference is an annual meeting that highlights the forefront of research in orthopedic and manual physical therapy. Prior to this experience I had attended last year’s North Carolina Physical Therapy Association state conference in Greensboro, NC. At this conference, I presented a small research project, which was the highlight of the conference for me. I attended several breakout and information sessions, but it felt like I was back in the classroom at school – not at all what I thought a conference was going to be like.  As such, I was slightly nervous to travel so far and spend a good chunk of money on something I might not find interesting. However, this conference far exceeded my expectations.

I’m currently considering pursuing an orthopedic residency and as so I wanted to see what the forefront of orthopedic manual therapy was like, so I made it a point to attend AAOMPT. In order to be a full voting member of this organization, you must be a fellow of manual physical therapy – not an easy feat to achieve as it is the highest level of certification for this form of therapy. I attended workshops on manipulation skills, seminars on running protocols, and even research presented by our faculty members. All of the sessions were engaging and interactive, plus every person I met was kind, supportive, and willing to take the time to foster and inspire my passion for the field. This is significant to note, as students do not normally attend this conference, so the leaders in this field were literally taking the time to talk to a student. 

One such example that sticks out in my head was after I attended a breakout group about empowering women into leadership roles in Physical Therapy. One of the members on the panel was Elaine Lonnemann, the current president of AAOMPT. Each member of the panel took time to chronicle their journey into leadership and the fine nuances that come with being a woman in a field of therapy (which is often considered male-dominated.) After their presentation, I went up and had a personal conversation with Dr. Lonnemann about woman leadership in physical therapy. She patiently answered my questions and gave me suggestions for where to seek a mentorship for my future career. I was blown away that one of the key members of this conference took time to personally talk to me and give me advice. I felt this conference helped confirm that orthopedic manual therapy is something I want to continue to pursue in detail after physical therapy school. I hope I get to attended AAOMPT 2020 next year.