Student Professionalism Essay

Professionalism is a very important concept in this modern day. Because healthcare is always advancing, professionalism is very dynamic. However, some of the core values never change. As a student in doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) program, the student should have an understanding of accountability, altruism, and commitment.
Accountability is an acceptance of the responsibility. As a DPT student, it is always striving to become better. In order to do so, the student should receive and respond well to feedbacks from his peers, professors, and clinical instructors. He should also remain unbiased during self-assessment. A student must adhere to the ethical code, the program policies or procedures. If an unfortunate event happens, the student

must be able to acknowledge and accept the consequences for his actions. In a clinical setting, he must collaborate with other healthcare providers to provide the best treatment for his patients. A clear communication is important between the student and his patients. If the patient is confused or refusing to do therapy, a DPT student should be able to explain everything he knows to the patient and the reason why the patient must do therapy. Furthermore, treating patients is very complex and it involves more than just PT knowledge. A DPT student must possess an altruistic characteristic.
I think altruism and compassion go hand in hand with each other. It comes down to how the DPT student view his patient. Does he show respect to his patient? Does he prioritize his patient’s need above his personal desire? Does he try to understand what the patient is going through? If the student is able to build a mutual relationship with his patient, the PT session would be more successful. The patients would more likely cooperate when they know the DPT student attends to their need and comfort. However, whatever the patients want sometimes does not line up with what they need. This is where compassion takes PT to a next level. If the patients refuse PT, a DPT student must try his best to figure out a way to get his patients to start working, because they must complete their goals. The patients’ physique should always improve after every therapy session. Compassion also includes giving equal care to all the patients despite their gender, race, culture, religion, and social status. Beside altruism and compassion, integrity is another crucial part of professionalism.
A DPT student should understand the kind of commitment that is expected from him, commitment to professionalism.

In academic setting, he must devote most of his time to learn the materials as best as he can. If a studying strategy does not work out, he needs to be adaptive and creative to find a different way. Respecting others and teamwork are required for a DPT student to succeed. In clinical setting, he is obligated to follow the rules, regulations, and laws of PT profession. Teamwork is even more important in here than in school because it concerns the patient. Patient is always the highest priority. In social setting, the DPT student has to act accordingly to the standard of a future physical therapist that is expected by society. The commitment to professionalism does not end when classes finish or clinical hours are over. It follows the student for the rest of his life. Finally, as a future healthcare worker, the DPT student needs to be a lifelong learner and willing to accept change. Considered how fast the healthcare system changes, if the student stops keeping up all the new discoveries, rules and regulations, he will be left behind.
Physical therapy profession has changed a lot in the past twenty years. Consequently, professionalism in physical therapy is very dynamic. Nonetheless, there are some core values that always remain constant. I think accountability, altruism, and commitment will help DPT students succeed in the healthcare

field.