Perspectives Winter/Spring-2017

46 • NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Physical Therapy TAMPA A Road Less Traveled: D.P.T. Graduate Accepted into Orthopedic Residency In May 2016, Tatianna Barrett, D.P.T., was 1 of 34 Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) Program graduates, and is the only Tampa graduate thus far, to be accepted into a prestigious orthopedic clinical residency program. Residencies provide structured mentoring and learning experiences in a specialized area of practice post licensure. Residents are licensed physical therapists hired by a credentialed residency clinic at a reduced salary. The lower salary is the trade-off for having individual expert mentoring while engaging in a comprehensive educational curriculum. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the Specialist Certification Examination. In the following question-and-answer segment, Barrett discusses why she chose the road less traveled. Q: What led you to apply to the Florida Hospital Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Orthopedic Residency Program? A: One reason I applied was for the mentoring experi- ence. I had the privilege to work with some of these mentors while I was a PT technician at Florida Hospital. As a result, I have the utmost confidence that I will be learning a variety of manual therapy techniques and skills, utilizing evidenced-based practice interventions, enhancing critical thinking and clinical skills, and doing so while emphasizing patient-centered care. I am also very eager to shadow physicians and orth- opedic specialists; participate in journal clubs, case presentations, and research projects; and study the overall material this specific residency program offers. I think the experience will prepare me for future roles in mentoring students myself or becoming a faculty member. Q: Can you explain the application process to an accredited residency program? A: I actually started the application process months before graduating. It began with an online centralized application (RF-PTCAS) system. This first step was time consuming, including submitting transcripts, obtaining references, and answering essay questions. I was then selected to have an interview with someone from the human resources department who asked clinical and ethical questions. One week later, I had a 45-minute interview with the program director, three mentors, and the clinic manager. I was asked clinical scenario questions, discussed my long-term goals, and explained why this program would be a good fit for my future endeavors. By the following week, I was offered employment and a residency spot. Q: What happens after residency? A: After completing this program, I’ll have the knowl- edge and experience needed to pursue my long-term career goal of working in dance medicine physical therapy. I also plan to attend a dance medicine hybrid certification program based in New York. I aspire to collaborate with pre-professional and professional dance schools, conservatories, and companies in Central Florida to treat new and chronic injuries and educate young and professional dancers about the importance of primary prevention. My story will then come full circle, as I became interested in the PT profession as a ballet dancer myself. n BY MARY BLACKINTON, ED.D., PT, GCS, CEEAA, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY HYBRID PROGRAM