What Are The Key Qualities Of Professionalism

To elaborate on this prompt, I will highlight several key qualities I believe are essential in defining professionalism as a doctor of physical therapy degree student. The first aspect, which I believe to be the most important, is communication. My conviction is that every single student requires it in both their education, as well as in their career. A student should be able to express their ideas clearly, both verbally and in the written word. They should be aware of all aspects of what they are communicating like using the appropriate body language and listening well to others in order to foster a positive learning environment. A student should be able to communicate well with clinicians, peers and eventually with patients. In my personal experience as a PT volunteer at South Nassau Communities Hospital I have seen the importance of communication play out. The therapists that I observe have to communicate with medical doctors, nurses, their peers and the social workers of each patient that they see. When this is not done properly the patients care is immediately compromised, and that is never
acceptable. Another aspect of professionalism is ethics. A student should practice ethics in their studies, understand the boundaries of right and wrong, and display that in their day to day life. For example, when faced with an unethical situation during clinical rotation a student should be capable of reporting any malpractices and abide by the law at all times. In today’s world each healthcare organization has its own policies in place to ensure these ethics. A student must understand and accept these policies as truth before entering any setting. Although most carry similar policies and procedures, it is important that a student is aware of the individual guidelines at each facility they may become a part of. A student must also be compassionate and caring, not only with the patients but with their peers, faculty and colleagues.
A student should be able to understand an individual’s perspective- taking into consideration their differences in learning style, language and cognitive abilities. A student should not only recognize and accept differences in social, cultural, gender biases but embrace them. As someone who received their bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology, being socially responsible is something I have always valued. During my time as an undergraduate student I spent many hours studying different environments and societies to get a true understanding of human nature. Upon graduation I worked in child care for 2 years, continuing my passion of caring for others. In taking the path to become a physical therapist, I hope that I am able to do more and be more for
others. Lastly, there is the matter of being responsible and accountable for your education. This is to say, for instance, that when one does not understand some material or information they should be aware that it is up to them to approach their tutors to seek clarification. Being accountable also implies that they are capable of going the extra mile and obtaining additional information from other course material to expand their knowledge. In my own experience, I have learned the true meaning of accountability upon starting my prerequisite courses. With direction and drive the value I have placed on my education has increased drastically. I’m able to see a clearer connection to the classroom and the outside world, and what part I play in that. With that I’m able to understand more deeply that hard work really does pay off.