Having grown up in an immigrant family, I often found myself advocating for my parents in many aspects of their life, especially with navigating the healthcare system. I was introduced to physical therapy (PT) when my dad suffered a knee injury because he insisted that I accompany him for his therapy. Over time, I became eager to tag along because it felt like my dad was somehow magically regaining his strength and range of motion with each session. This experience sparked my interest in PT because I was amazed at how therapists could help patients significantly improve their quality of life. However, due to social and cultural barriers, it is often difficult for patients like my dad to build rapport with their therapists. My dad's story inspires …show more content…
My role as a behavioral treatment technician for the Wisconsin Early Autism Project introduced me to the concept of continuity of care. As a team, we created and implemented customized treatment plans to monitor a child’s progress in various developmental and physical domains. I appreciated the ability to use my creativity to meet the unique needs of each client, similar to how physical therapists modify treatment plans based on the patient’s progress. For my Adapted Fitness course in undergrad, I was paired with a client who had multiple sclerosis-related physical disabilities. This was a valuable experience because I learned the importance of empowering clients to be engaged in their care and be advocates for their health. Lastly, I was able to see nuances of patient care through my role as a Care Coordinator for a local PT clinic. From the moment patients and therapists walked into the clinic, to when they walked out the door, I was an integral member of the team. Throughout the day, I helped to schedule patient appointments, prepared cases for our therapists, and occasionally did therapy exercises with patients. These opportunities gave me insight into what a physical therapist’s job entails and have reinforced my desire to pursue this