Physical Therapist Customer Service

Sara-Louise Walsh, DPT, CIMI

**** ******* ***** **** – Tolland, CT 06084 – 860-***-**** abp96v@r.postjobfree.com

Objective

My goal is to secure a position that allows me to channel my passion and intellectual curiosity into a purposeful role in society using the technical and interpersonal skills I have developed during my doctoral education in physical therapy.

Education

Ithaca College: Ithaca, New York

Expected Date of Completion: October 2012

Bachelor of Science: Clinical Health Studies/Physical Therapy; Dean’s List/Cum Laude

Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York

Date of Completion: May 2010

Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York

Date of Completion: 2008

Clinical ExperienceClinical Education 4: My fourth clinical affiliation (12 weeks) took place at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in Saddle Brook, NJ. I worked with a team of therapists treating patients with amputations and general orthopedic conditions. My treatment plans were focused around the functional mobility required for patients to return home after their stay at the acute rehab facility. My multi-tasking skills grew as I learned to treat multiple patients at once and complete documentation during treatment times. I learned to consistently communicate with a multidisciplinary team in order to best meet patients’ needs. I achieved entry-level performance in this challenging, dynamic, and busy environment.

Clinical Education 3: My third clinical affiliation took place at Monroe Community Hospital, (8 weeks) a skilled nursing facility in Rochester, NY. While at Monroe Hospital, I worked with patients who were experiencing neurological, orthopedic, and cardiovascular compromise, developmental disorders, and general deconditioning. Patient-specific treatment plans facilitated success in meeting functional goals in short term and long term care. My communication and delegation skills grew as I worked alongside several physical therapist assistants and aides. I also communicated with all members of the health care team during patient care plan meetings and family meetings. Ample opportunities to practice examination, evaluation, and screening skills were provided. My overall confidence and comfort as a clinician increased.

Clinical Affiliation 2: My second clinical affiliation took place at an outpatient orthopedic clinic associated with Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut, (8 weeks.) At this site, I saw a wide range of patients in a busy clinic. During this experience I improved my ability to perform initial evaluations, plan treatments, assess progress, and adapt to patient needs. I worked with patients who had orthopedic needs after sustaining injuries to the ankle, knee, shoulder, or pelvis. I also saw patients who presented with chronic lumbar, thoracic, and cervical pain. I had the opportunity to work with patients who had undergone mastectomy surgery to improve shoulder range of motion and strength. In addition, I used aquatic physical therapy to treat patients who had severe knee pathologies and chronic low back pain. I adapted to the unique communication needs of my patients as many did not speak English.

Clinical Affiliation 1: My first clinical affiliation took place at Falmouth Hospital in Falmouth Massachusetts (8 weeks.) I worked in the inpatient setting for eight weeks with clients recovering from orthopedic surgery, episodes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or diabetes mellitus, and other systemic disorders. I was involved in the evaluation and treatment of these patients as well as goal setting, discharge planning, and advocacy. I had the opportunity to practice skills such as transfers, gait training, therapeutic exercise, massage, and vital sign monitoring. I became confident in these interventions and felt empowered to take on the responsibility of being a physical therapist.

Non-Clinical Experience

Hebron School System Paraprofessional for special needs children: I held this paid position during the summer of 2008 and 2011. This position correlated with my speech therapy minor. I was responsible for the safety, and continuing education of a boy who had mental retardation. On another occasion, I instructed 5 first and second grade children in summer school academics. At this site, I also had the opportunity to shadow a pediatric physical therapist. I observed the amount of patience and creativity necessary in the pediatric setting.

Bolton Physical Therapy: I held a paid position as a physical therapist’s aide during the summers of 2007 and 2008 as well as intermittently throughout the two years during shorter breaks from school. I assisted the physical therapist in a small outpatient clinic with administrative tasks and customer service. I became proficient in organizational responsibilities such as greeting patients, answering the phone, scheduling appointments, organizing files, and preparing the gym area for certain exercises. I saw first-hand the importance of critical thinking and perseverance in problem solving.

Volunteer Experience:Special Olympics: For the past several years I have been involved in my community with the New York Special Olympics adult track and field and pediatric girls gymnastics. I took a leadership role when working with the girls gymnastics team by managing practices on several occasions. I worked to maintain harmony and attention among the participants. Working with these athletes reminds me that hard work, dedication, and team work are building blocks for success. Special Olympians have taught me that determination and creativity can overcome physical barriers to achieving a high quality of life.

Lobby Day 2010 Participant: I traveled to the New York state capital with members of my class in an effort to lobby for fair workers compensation and co-pays. This trip contributed to my well-rounded understanding of the physical therapy field.

Do Anything Nice Club Member: Club members worked together to commit random acts of kindness for students and community members. Before I began spending time in the clinic, this club provided me with an outlet for my desire to help others.

Ithaca College Physical Therapy Department Tour Guide: I was pleased to give tours of the physical therapy department of my alma mater to prospective students. Students and their families enjoyed hearing first-hand accounts of life at Ithaca College and satisfaction with the physical therapy program.

Certifications:

Certified Infant Massage Instructor: I am certified through the World Organization of Nurturing Communication to teach others how to provide massage to infants facilitating bonding and positive interaction between infants and caregivers. I am enjoying honing my leadership skills in this position.

Career Philosophy:In my opinion, one of the most important aspects of physical therapy is compassion. During my junior year of high school, in my first anatomy and physiology class, I learned about Joseph Merrick, The Elephant Man. Joseph Merrick had physical deformities that required constant medical attention and elicited fear in most people who laid eyes on him. For this man, the healing process was accelerated once people began to show him kindness instead of fear and disgust. My career philosophy is based off of the relationship between Joseph Merrick and his doctor: Human touch and compassion are positive and essential forces in the healing process.

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