This spring and summer I had the opportunity to
be an intern at the Veteran’s Hospital (VA) Outpatient Physical
Therapy Clinic in Salt Lake. On
a typical day, I’d arrive at the VA at 8am. For the first half hour or so, I’d
clean up around the clinic: changing sheets and covers for the treatment
tables, putting away equipment, storing clean linens, and wiping down exercise
machines. I viewed keeping the clinic clean and organized as my primary role.
When I was finished, however, I was able to jump in with the therapists and
shadow as they evaluated and treated their patients. This was exciting for me
to have hands-on experience watching the therapist at work—something I haven’t
had before. Because shadowing was the reward, it was extremely motivating to me
to work hard and quickly so that I could soak in as much as possible. Most of
the therapists were extremely accommodating and would teach me as they worked. My
day alternated frequently between shadowing and cleaning.
For approximately a year and a half, I’ve worked at a privately owned physical therapy clinic here in
Provo. During this time, I’ve become familiar with their model of physical
therapy care. Patients typically come in 2-3 times weekly and rely heavily on
the therapists for stretching, unlocking and releasing joints, and maintenance.
The therapists see each patient for 15-30 minutes. The VA, however, has a very
different model. Because of the large number of veterans needing care, the VA
is unable to see patients on as frequent of a basis as a private practice.
Instead, they spend 30-60 minutes with each patient and only see them every 2-3
weeks. Rather than a heavy emphasis on manual therapy, the therapists spend
extra time evaluating the problem and designing a home exercise program for the
patient that will address their problems. This has been extremely eye opening
to me. This approach focuses on self-reliance and long term care. The
responsibility is shifted from the therapist to the patient, putting their health in their control.
Overall, one of the biggest things I’ve learned from my experience this summer is that while all physical therapists have the same schooling, their workplace is what will largely determine how their schooling is used. It has opened my eyes to the various routes therapists can go and makes me want to continue researching different work options. The differences are tremendous and there are benefits to each style of care. I’m excited and grateful for the exposure I’ve had this summer and look forward to continue preparing for a career as a physical therapist!
