Physical Therapy Internship at Atlantic Sports & Rehabilitation
How did
you learn about your internship?
As a second
year, I applied to and was interviewed for a clinical internship through
University Internships Program at UVa, through which I was placed at Atlantic
Sports & Rehabilitation for the 2016-2017 academic year.
What made
you decide to engage in this clinical opportunity?
Knowing that
I desired to enter a health-related field, I sought out opportunities that
would provide me with a way to gain skills such as bedside etiquette, in
addition to the contact hours necessary to apply for graduate school. It also
supplied me with 4 credits of upper-level Psychology per semester through a
weekly seminar.
What does
your experience consist of?
Most days
begin with me reviewing the hourly patient schedule and recording any
cancellations, after which I admit patients into treatment areas as they arrive
to their appointment. My main task is assisting patients with completing their
exercise regimens, however, I am also trained to apply therapeutic modalities
to patients as well. In total, I work approximately 10-12 hours per week, split
between two days.
What has
distinguished this opportunity from other options you might have pursued?
The amount
of clinical knowledge and hands-on experience I have obtained from my
internship has been much greater than in any other healthcare setting I have
had exposure to. Not only have I learned the physiological basis and scientific
reasoning for use of various treatments, but I have also been taught how to use
them on my own. In addition, I have been given the responsibility of handling
patient files and recording new information, while maintaining confidentiality
of their information-- tasks that are necessary in any healthcare profession.
Why do
you recommend this opportunity for other UVA students?
I recommend
a Physical Therapy internship to anyone seeking a greater amount of patient
interaction and exposure to a healthcare setting. PT clinics provide a
laid-back environment in which one can learn more about what the profession
entails, while gaining confidence in their ability to provide effective care to
individuals receiving therapy.
How has
this experience helped prepare you for the future?
Interning at
Atlantic has been principal in solidifying my decision to pursue a career in
the medical field. Although I am still in the process of choosing between a DPT
or DO program for graduate school, my internship has provided much insight into
what I desire my future to look like in terms of work-life balance and
workplace environment.
Any
advice?
Overall, I
highly suggest seeking opportunities that will serve as exposure to a type of
career and the efforts, hours, and setting it entails, rather than simply as a
means to gain hours or clinical skills. Knowing well in advance the quality of
life you may have working in a certain profession is vital to knowing whether
or not you should focus your education on preparing for that particular field.
Make sure you enjoy it!
Ashley
Bykowski is a 3rd year pre-health student in the Curry School of
Education majoring in Kinesiology. She has served on the Pre-Health Student
Leadership Advisory Board since 2015.
