To Rehabilitation and Beyond by Kacey

To Rehabilitation and Beyond by Kacey - February 2019 Scholarship Essay

I stared in disbelief at the horrifying void where my kneecap had been moments before, understanding nothing except that I couldn’t move my leg. From the outside, it seemed as if only my kneecap had dislodged. But three years later, I discovered how much more complex the knee’s structure is during my Anatomy & Physiology class. Excitement coursed through me as “lateral meniscus tear” from my MRI reports smoothly translated into damage to the fibrocartilaginous articular disk slightly below my kneecap. All of the sudden, the mystery of how one structural misalignment caused such damaging consequences was finally unveiled.

Fascinated by the complexity of my injury, I’m inspired to explore the intricacies of the human body. Looking beyond high school, I’m eager to dive deeper into this intriguing field through hands-on learning with a degree in kinesiology or rehabilitation science. Outside of the classroom, I’ll continuously apply my knowledge to benefit others through service-learning trips or virtual reality rehabilitation research. Whether it’s practicing dissections in cadaver labs or engaging in seminars with healthcare experts, I’ll take full advantage of the undergraduate experience and further explore the human body in physical therapy school.

It’s difficult to pinpoint the sole reason that drew me toward physical therapy. Perhaps it’s my amazement at how the physical therapists (PTs) that I shadowed skillfully comprised specific treatment plans tailored for each patient. Or maybe it’s my astonishment at how my own PT’s in-depth understanding of my knee’s anatomy allowed me to progress from crutches to walking again. Seeing their pure joy from applying their knowledge to serve others in such a profound way sparked a passion within me to one day work alongside the PTs who were integral to my own recovery.

I was surprised by how invested my PT was in my life both inside and outside of the clinic. Immediately after the standard procedure of assessing my pain, she followed up with a genuine interest in how my week went. During new stretches, my PT would start another conversation, successfully distracting me from the pain while leading me another step closer to recovery. During the exercises that she knew I struggled with, she carefully watched and supported me when it became too challenging. By my final therapy session, it became clear to me that PTs more than just rehabilitate patients, and I want to reciprocate the same sincere care that I’ve experienced.

As I look toward my future as a PT, I’m excited to guide patients with a diverse range of injuries and medical conditions. From disguising therapeutic activities with trampolines or games for children to helping adults independently make seamless wheelchair transfers, there are so many different approaches to rehabilitation. I’m also amazed by how PTs can serve in such a vast variety of settings to best accommodate each patient’s objectives and needs. I love this versatile aspect of physical therapy, and I’m eager to explore its various areas.

In one particular area of inpatient rehabilitation, I aspire to work closely with those in the spinal cord injury unit. Especially during this critical time of recovery, I’ll fight for their goals alongside them. Early intervention with rehabilitation plays an essential role in enhancing their prognoses, so I’ll incorporate the newest techniques or most effective equipment. With locomotor training or applications of new research on functional electrical stimulation, I’ll craft the best possible treatment plans. Whether they’re striving to take their first steps again or jump back onto the basketball court, I’ll undoubtedly be lending them a hand of support every step of the way toward achieving their goals.

I’m also equally passionate about specializing in amputee rehabilitation. As the demand for prostheses rises, I’m excited to help these patients transition to new lifestyles. Establishing relationships with them as early as before surgery, I’ll explore post-operation options and essentials of limb care with them. For many amputee patients, the rehabilitation process spans over several months or years, and I’m eager to form long-lasting bonds with them as a PT from beginning to end.

From volunteering and shadowing in rehabilitation clinics, I’ve witnessed painful challenges yet also immense strength. I’m inspired by the special relationship patients and PTs share where the patients’ determination is boosted by the PTs’ unconditional support. Regardless of the path that I’ll take, I’m eager to join PTs who integrate their expertise into compassionate treatment, fighting for each patient’s rehabilitation.