4 answers
Skylar
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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what would be 1 thing you would tell someone whos new to being in the medical field that you would want them to know?
my name is Skylar, I'm a sophomore in high school, I've been recently looking into physical therapy a lot but I'm stuck between whether it's a right fit for me. I love sports and learning about the body, I always am doing something athletic.
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4 answers
Ismelda R. Correa (Isme)
Sales Engineer
5
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Ismelda R.’s Answer
Hi Skylar, I would encourage you to think of the sort of work life you want to have. This is a challenging question to answer, even as an adult, so don't get discouraged!
There are some medical professions where the hours are quite grueling, like surgeons, and work/life balance looks different. At the same time, some nursing schedules are 3/ 12, 3 days of 12 hour shifts and that is their work week.
I encourage you to speak to other medical professionals, and specially physical therapist on what their work life and commitment looks like day to day. Some physical therapist work in hospitals, other work in clinics, and many other work in other settings!
There are some medical professions where the hours are quite grueling, like surgeons, and work/life balance looks different. At the same time, some nursing schedules are 3/ 12, 3 days of 12 hour shifts and that is their work week.
I encourage you to speak to other medical professionals, and specially physical therapist on what their work life and commitment looks like day to day. Some physical therapist work in hospitals, other work in clinics, and many other work in other settings!
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Skylar
Beth Burgess PT, MS, GCS
Physical Therapist
56
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Beth’s Answer
Hi Skylar,
Picking just one thing for you to know is hard! Isme had a good comment about work life balance, and Francisco had good thoughts too.
Jobs in the medical field are a calling and a passion. You have to love people and want to help the reach their best potential. You will see them when they are at their worst - injured, sick, angry, and depressed. With your training and care, you will watch them recover and return to their life. It is very rewarding!
However, you are going to work long hours, some patients are really grouchy when they get hurt, so you might get yelled at. You will look at friends in other fields making double or triple your salary for sitting at a desk. You have to do it for the love of the profession.
Physical therapy specifically is very competitive to get into the program. You will need a bachelors degree, the apply for your DPT doctorate program. They look at grades, experiences with people (sports, leadership, volunteering), and most do an interview.
Sport’s injury and recovery is only part of physical therapy. We also help people recover from strokes and spinal cord injuries, illness like Covid. We work with premature infants and special needs kids, and grandma’s with broken hips. We are in hospitals and nursing homes, schools, clinics and home health care.
The suggestion to shadow a therapist or spend time in a clinic is a great one. Since Covid, clinic rules have changed but there are still opportunities out there.
Good luck with your choices! Physical Therapy has been very good to me.
Keep your grades up to get into school
Visit APTA.org for info about the profession and universities.
Volunteer with a hospital, nursing home, special Olympics, etc
Picking just one thing for you to know is hard! Isme had a good comment about work life balance, and Francisco had good thoughts too.
Jobs in the medical field are a calling and a passion. You have to love people and want to help the reach their best potential. You will see them when they are at their worst - injured, sick, angry, and depressed. With your training and care, you will watch them recover and return to their life. It is very rewarding!
However, you are going to work long hours, some patients are really grouchy when they get hurt, so you might get yelled at. You will look at friends in other fields making double or triple your salary for sitting at a desk. You have to do it for the love of the profession.
Physical therapy specifically is very competitive to get into the program. You will need a bachelors degree, the apply for your DPT doctorate program. They look at grades, experiences with people (sports, leadership, volunteering), and most do an interview.
Sport’s injury and recovery is only part of physical therapy. We also help people recover from strokes and spinal cord injuries, illness like Covid. We work with premature infants and special needs kids, and grandma’s with broken hips. We are in hospitals and nursing homes, schools, clinics and home health care.
The suggestion to shadow a therapist or spend time in a clinic is a great one. Since Covid, clinic rules have changed but there are still opportunities out there.
Good luck with your choices! Physical Therapy has been very good to me.
Beth recommends the following next steps:
Audrey Ganser
Orthopedic Technologist
7
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Audrey’s Answer
SHADOW. That is the one thing I would tell myself if I could go back in time.
I started college as an advertising major, took a 180°, and ended up graduating with a degree in Kinesiology (similar to what you're interested in). Throughout my four years in undergrad, I seriously considered: physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, a PhD in exercise physiology, chiropractic school, medical school, and PA school. Needless to say, it was a long and difficult process that took an emotional toll...I felt like I would never find what was right for me. I thought I could learn enough about a profession by researching the details of the job, looking up YouTube videos of people in the profession, looking at conversations on Reddit, etc. Although I was told by my advisors and professors that shadowing was helpful, I avoided it because I felt like I'd be a burden to those I was shadowing and I wasn't the most comfortable putting myself out there in a professional environment.
Over time, I learned most people in medical professions LOVE to have people shadow! They are passionate about what they do and love to teach others about the realities of the job. Even though you are in a professional environment, at the end of the day, they're human. They will be happy to answer any and all questions you have, even the more honest questions, such as "what's your last favorite aspect of the job?" I got questions answered about schooling, compensation, autonomy, work-life balance, and more. They were always eager to share. Shadowing was instrumental for my understanding of each profession, and helped me land on a path that I am confident in.
I hope this helps! Get out there and be curious! (:
I started college as an advertising major, took a 180°, and ended up graduating with a degree in Kinesiology (similar to what you're interested in). Throughout my four years in undergrad, I seriously considered: physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, a PhD in exercise physiology, chiropractic school, medical school, and PA school. Needless to say, it was a long and difficult process that took an emotional toll...I felt like I would never find what was right for me. I thought I could learn enough about a profession by researching the details of the job, looking up YouTube videos of people in the profession, looking at conversations on Reddit, etc. Although I was told by my advisors and professors that shadowing was helpful, I avoided it because I felt like I'd be a burden to those I was shadowing and I wasn't the most comfortable putting myself out there in a professional environment.
Over time, I learned most people in medical professions LOVE to have people shadow! They are passionate about what they do and love to teach others about the realities of the job. Even though you are in a professional environment, at the end of the day, they're human. They will be happy to answer any and all questions you have, even the more honest questions, such as "what's your last favorite aspect of the job?" I got questions answered about schooling, compensation, autonomy, work-life balance, and more. They were always eager to share. Shadowing was instrumental for my understanding of each profession, and helped me land on a path that I am confident in.
I hope this helps! Get out there and be curious! (:
I appreciate your support, Audrey
Skylar
Francisco Mora
Technical Architect
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Francisco’s Answer
To ensure success in your career, it is important to approach it with a well-rounded, comprehensive mindset. Here are some crucial aspects to consider:
1. Take your time: Don't feel pressured to rush through your tasks or climb the corporate ladder quickly. Instead, focus on developing a strong foundation in your field, mastering the skills needed, and growing as a professional.
2. Learn from experienced colleagues: Seek out the guidance of senior members on your team, as they can provide valuable insights, secret tips, and tricks that can help you excel in your role. Building strong professional relationships can also open up opportunities for mentorship and support.
3. Continuous learning: Stay up-to-date with industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices by attending conferences, participating in workshops, or joining relevant professional organizations. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous growth and make you a valuable asset to your team.
4. Adopt a long-term perspective: Remember that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on building a sustainable and fulfilling career path rather than chasing short-term success. Set clear, achievable goals and regularly assess your progress to ensure you stay on track and make necessary adjustments.
5. Maintain a healthy work-life balance: To ensure longevity in your field, it is crucial to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Strike a balance between your work and personal life by setting boundaries, managing your time effectively, and partaking in activities that help you relax and recharge. This will enable you to maintain your passion and enthusiasm for your career while preventing burnout.
6. Develop strong communication and teamwork skills: Success in your career often depends on your ability to work well with others. Practice active listening, be open to feedback, and collaborate effectively with your colleagues to foster a positive working environment.
7. Embrace change and adaptability: Be prepared to face new challenges and adapt to evolving circumstances in your professional life. Stay flexible and open-minded, as this will allow you to navigate the changing landscape of your industry more effectively.
By adopting these strategies, you can strengthen your foundation in your chosen field and set yourself up for long-term success. Remember that a comprehensive approach to your career will help you establish a meaningful and rewarding professional journey.
1. Take your time: Don't feel pressured to rush through your tasks or climb the corporate ladder quickly. Instead, focus on developing a strong foundation in your field, mastering the skills needed, and growing as a professional.
2. Learn from experienced colleagues: Seek out the guidance of senior members on your team, as they can provide valuable insights, secret tips, and tricks that can help you excel in your role. Building strong professional relationships can also open up opportunities for mentorship and support.
3. Continuous learning: Stay up-to-date with industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices by attending conferences, participating in workshops, or joining relevant professional organizations. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous growth and make you a valuable asset to your team.
4. Adopt a long-term perspective: Remember that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on building a sustainable and fulfilling career path rather than chasing short-term success. Set clear, achievable goals and regularly assess your progress to ensure you stay on track and make necessary adjustments.
5. Maintain a healthy work-life balance: To ensure longevity in your field, it is crucial to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Strike a balance between your work and personal life by setting boundaries, managing your time effectively, and partaking in activities that help you relax and recharge. This will enable you to maintain your passion and enthusiasm for your career while preventing burnout.
6. Develop strong communication and teamwork skills: Success in your career often depends on your ability to work well with others. Practice active listening, be open to feedback, and collaborate effectively with your colleagues to foster a positive working environment.
7. Embrace change and adaptability: Be prepared to face new challenges and adapt to evolving circumstances in your professional life. Stay flexible and open-minded, as this will allow you to navigate the changing landscape of your industry more effectively.
By adopting these strategies, you can strengthen your foundation in your chosen field and set yourself up for long-term success. Remember that a comprehensive approach to your career will help you establish a meaningful and rewarding professional journey.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Skylar