The role of a PTA
Some students have known that they would become physical therapist assistant ever since they picked up their first toy stethoscope. Others have had a singular catalytic event that changed their career goals forever. The origins of my own desire to become a PTA have been less dramatic, but equally sound. The role of a PTA appealed to me because a Physical therapist assistant seemed smart, responsible, helpful, and — in some vague sense I could not quite define — “cool.” They got to teach patients how to properly care for their body and heal from a particular ailment and oftentimes, they do many of the exercises with the patient. It seemed like they could do just about anything.
As I grew older, I gained experience that shaped this assessment of a PTA job into a more realistic perspective; the more I learned about research and clinical work, the more confident I became that I want to be a physical therapist assistant. In high school, I discovered that I excelled in the sciences. My aptitude and interest grew simultaneously. I was thrilled to realize that the biology, chemistry, and physics classes I enjoyed so much were fundamentally related to medicine; I could both satisfy my love for the basic sciences while helping individual patients as a “cool” PTA. I decided that I wanted to be a Physical therapist assistant who also does basic science research on the human anatomy.
Later, in college, I reaffirmed my affinity for research in the field of chemistry. Not only did I find the subject matter fascinating, but the process itself also captivated me. I liked setting my own schedule, learning at my own pace, and designing my own experiments. Some of my electives helped me to consolidate my interests: my physiology class, for example, gave me an exhilarating introduction to the vast and ever-changing body of medical knowledge. In order to cover a wide spectrum of information, the class was taught by six professors, each with a medical degree, and each with his or her own specialty. I found this class especially rewarding because it allowed me to understand the ways in which my own body works, which I can apply to the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases.
Throughout high school and college, I satisfied my interest in clinical work by volunteering in a hospital. Despite my rigorous academic schedule, I always looked forward to the few hours I spent each week in the adult rehabilitation department, helping the staff in any way I could. I spent time with patients who were awaiting treatment, and observed physicians as they constantly made important decisions and directed other staff members. I came to greatly value this personal interaction with staff and patients, and this chance to catch a first-hand glimpse of the unique responsibilities of physicians.
I unexpectedly had the opportunity to gain additional perspective on the doctor/patient relationship during Christmas break, when I seriously fractured my left humerus from arm-wrestling gone awry. I was rushed to the emergency room, where an orthopedic doctor treated me. My left arm was immobilized for a long time and I suddenly discovered my new limitations; among other problems, I found it extremely difficult to wash myself or sleep in a comfortable position. My compassion for patients, especially the chronically ill and disabled, increased exponentially. This experience was also a clear illustration of the value of good medical care; I was very thankful for the availability and expertise of my doctor and physical therapist.
I cannot pinpoint my determination to become a physical therapist to an epiphany at eight, but the steady string of experiences I have accumulated so far leads me to believe that the most solid decision is that which is based on both gut feeling and careful deliberation. I believe there are three ways to gain insight into the field of medicine: as an observer, a patient, or a caregiver. I’ve had experience as the first two; now I am ready and eager to achieve the last.