On the Job: Billy Scott, BS ’25, DPT ‘27
Billy Scott, BS ’25, DPT ‘27, is exploring the world of physical therapy at his first clinical rotation.
Billy Scott, BS ‘25, DPT ‘27, a second year professional student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, is on his first clinical rotation as a student physical therapist at Total Performance Physical Therapy in Horsham, Pennsylvania. Billy is learning a lot of new techniques that are helpful in reducing pain symptoms, and in turn improving function and participation.
What’s been especially compelling is the value of mental health in physical therapy, as fear/avoidance to movement and pain can be the largest barrier to recovery for many. Once we can show someone that there is a more efficient, less painful, and safer way to move, it becomes much easier to progress and get them feeling better.
Billy Scott, BS ’25, DPT ‘27
The Role:
Student Physical Therapist, Total Performance Physical Therapy
Describe your internship in three emojis:
💪 (strong)
⚕️(medical)
🏃 (run)
The Day-to-Day:
Every day in physical therapy is a little different! Sure, we might see the same people one to three times a week, but every time they come in, it’s going to be different. We’re constantly assessing the patient's symptoms and responses to our interventions to ensure we’re progressing as desired. Just about every day, we have a new patient evaluation, which always brings something new. Even if two people with the same case come in, their presentations could be vastly different, and thus, their treatment plan is different.
It’s 10 a.m. on a workday, what are you up to?
Either setting up and demonstrating an exercise, writing documentation or chatting with a patient!
Go-to snack or drink that gets you through the day:
I can’t get through my day without some kind of caffeine, either an Alani or iced coffee.
My “I nailed it” moment:
I feel this whenever a patient takes the time to show their appreciation for my work, whether it’s manual therapy, an exercise that helped reduce their pain, a conversation with them about their life stressors, or anything of the sort. Sure, it’s nice to hear validation from my instructor, but it feels particularly compelling when a patient calls out and appreciates my hard work.
Favorite part of your role:
Being able to interact with patients every day, as well as being able to see the same patients a couple of times every week. Due to how often we’re seeing one another, PTs are able to build a very unique and special therapeutic alliance with their patients, which is often an underrated part of physical therapy. Being able to get their trust and buy-in to the rehabilitation process, getting them to shed their fear of movement/injury, helps accelerate everything else we’re doing.
Tips for the next physical therapist:
Be open to learning skills and concepts that you did not learn in your coursework! There is always more to learn in this profession, and you can learn from just about anyone, and you can learn something when you least expect it. Be okay with making mistakes and learning something new.
