Self-Directed Learning Experiences

Three experiences that supported my growth outside of required coursework.

Mentoring an Underclassman

After reflecting on my own experience in the DPT program, I realized how helpful it would have been to have an upperclassman mentor. Because of that, I decided to mentor an underclassman throughout the semester.

We texted and called regularly, and I shared advice on study strategies, important topics to focus on, and ways to prepare for exams and practicals. This experience helped me grow in communication and leadership while giving back to the program.

Being a mentor gave me the opportunity to reflect on everything I had learned throughout the DPT program while helping another student navigate similar challenges. I realized that being a good mentor is just as much about listening and encouraging confidence as it is about giving advice. Explaining concepts and sharing my clinical reasoning also helped reinforce my own understanding of the material. This experience strengthened my communication and leadership skills, and I hope to continue mentoring students and new graduates throughout my career.

Mentorship meeting screenshot
Mentorship meeting artifact

Professional Development: Veterans Affairs CEU

During my final clinical rotation at Tri-City Physical Therapy, I worked with several patients with cervicogenic and post-traumatic headaches. Seeing these cases made me want to learn more so I could better help my patients and provide stronger patient education.

I completed the Veterans Affairs CEU on Cervicogenic and Post-Traumatic Headaches to deepen my understanding of the topic and feel more confident discussing treatment and education with patients.

Completing this CEU helped me better understand how to evaluate and manage patients with cervicogenic and post-traumatic headaches using current evidence. I learned more about differentiating different headache presentations, recognizing musculoskeletal impairments that may contribute to symptoms, and knowing when further medical referral may be appropriate. It also reinforced the importance of combining manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education to help patients manage their symptoms. This experience reminded me that continuing education is an important part of becoming a better clinician and providing the best care possible for my patients.

Open CEU certificate
Veterans Affairs CEU certificate

Teaching: COPD Presentation

During my second clinical rotation at Pleasanton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, I worked with many patients with COPD. My clinical instructor often quizzed me on pulmonary topics, and I realized I had gaps in my knowledge about lung diseases.

My CI and I came up with the idea to create a presentation for the rehab team. This helped me learn the material more deeply while also educating others about COPD and the difference between obstructive and restrictive lung disease.

Creating and presenting this COPD presentation helped me gain a much deeper understanding of pulmonary conditions than I would have from simply reading about them. I had to organize the information in a way that was easy for others to understand, which strengthened both my knowledge and communication skills. Presenting to the rehabilitation team also made me more comfortable speaking in front of healthcare professionals and answering clinical questions. Overall, this experience showed me that teaching is one of the best ways to reinforce my own learning while helping others improve their clinical knowledge.

Open COPD presentation
COPD teaching presentation