The current APTA Vision statement, adopted in 2013, succeeds that of Vision 2020. Both vision statements centered around optimizing patient health care. Vision 2020 was more therapist-focused as it viewed physical therapists as professional practitioners in the health care field. It strived towards the ability for patients/clients to receive direct access to that care related to movement, function, and health. (APTA 2015) Shifting the focus, the current APTA vision statement became: “Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience.” (APTA 2015) The brief 10-worded statement has three key points that draw a profound meaning in the physical therapy profession.
Transforming society means shifting the focus of physical therapy to embrace cultural competence and adjusting to the patient’s needs. It helps bring on a transformative approach in the field to shift or break existing negative paradigms of oppression or discrimination. This would allow me, as a future clinician, to improve self-awareness and reflect on my attitude towards my clients. Knowing that the patients I will treat all come from different backgrounds, it’s important that I am aware of the differences and
…show more content…
This key concept drives physical therapy to be patient-centered and underlies what the practice ultimately is. Looking at the patient as more than just a symptom will allow their treatments to have a more profound effect on their lives, beyond the clinic’s walls. I want to be able to grow as a professional in that aspect of putting the patient first by including them in their treatment and facilitate in their well-being when it comes to movement. I want to project that quality of care to each patient and help conjure up a vision that they will strive for. This would only allow continued growth as a future physical therapist; not only as a professional but an advocate for the