How to become the best PT in the world

Ok, not really, but I will describe how one can become a really good PT and some possible options at the beginning of your career. So you’re on the way to becoming a PT or have recently graduated. I am sure you know how awesome your profession is. You get to work WITH people not ON them or do things TO them. Hopefully you already have an idea about what kind of PT setting you want to be working in. It’s ok if you don’t. Ideally, you have had a chance to work with excellent therapists, either people at your affiliations, your professors or even other students in your program. I was fortunate to work with all of the above. Take a moment to think about what these therapists so successful as PTs. Your list may be very different than mine, but I will describe some things I have gathered over the last eight years in PT and many more prior in healthcare.

1. Start where the patient is currently, not where you want them to be. As my DPT schoolmate @movementmaestro pointed out in her blogpost, start by asking what’s important to the patient. Ask them about their expectations and their understanding of what’s going on with them. You may have a working hypothesis or a prescription before you even meet them, but take the time to identify their concerns and their goals. If your patient can’t speak for themselves, then talk with their caregivers about what’s important to them.
2. Treat every patient as if it’s the most important patient of the day. Whether it’s an 8am early mobility patient, a lunch time weekend warrior or someone you’re treating at the end of the shift. Remember that person trusts you with their care. They think that you will do your best regardless of how tired you are, or how many more patients you still have to see. Imagine your grandmother, or younger sibling getting PT somewhere else. How would you want them treated? I remember when my father was getting therapy for neck pain, he told me his therapy consisted of hot packs and stim. He was taking off time from work and not getting any better. I found another place for him with individualized care, where he got better in a few weeks.
3. Never stop learning! It sounds like a cliche, but it’s the single best method to prevent burnout. Physical therapy is a second profession for me. Take it from me, when you stop learning in your profession and don’t see any more opportunities to improve your knowledge, it’s a one way ticket to burnout city. One of the great aspects of PT is that there are always opportunities to learn. You may be able to find a mentor who is willing to share their knowledge. We all have to take continuing education courses. Most of them are taught by experienced clinicians with many years of treating. My favorite part of taking courses is when I get a peek into their clinical decision-making process. Some of you are able to enroll in a residency program. For me it was absolutely crucial. Yes, many people are reluctant to go back to school after completing 3 years. There are also important financial considerations. However, in my experience it was an amazing opportunity to learn from the best people in the field, especially receiving the feedback on my decision making process and an explanation of theirs. There are also various fellowship and certification programs to further enhance you skills. Most importantly, the program you choose has to fit your needs in your career.
4. Belong to a professional organization and attend local and national conferences. Being part of a professional organization is important to protect our profession, contribute to the field and advocate for yourself and your patients. Attending conferences will expose you to the latest research and practice in the profession. You will also be surrounded by motivated, like minded individuals that strive to be the best. That energy is contagious and you will find that when you return to your clinic you will be charged up for the rest of year.

To sum up, you will get out of your profession what you put in. The more invested you are in your patients and your professional development, the less it will seem like a 9–5. Finally, there are many other ways to become a really good PT, but only two to be a really bad one-not caring and thinking that you know everything. Make sure you choose the right path.