Page 23 - OPTA Access Spring 2017

OPTA | March 2017 | 23
Our OPTA student member, Alexis Smith (right) with three of her classmates (left) at the 2016 National Student Conclave in Miami, FL.
Overall, it was refreshing to learn of all the possible experiences we have available beyond the classroom and the impact physical therapists have not just locally, but globally as well
I was astounded with the movement APTA is making to further the voice of physical therapy in our nation’s capital to help individuals become aware of how bene cial physical therapy can be in the ght against the opioid epidemic. I was unaware of how big of a push this has been and how in uential the APTA is at a legislative level. Hearing all of this information even inspired a couple classmates and I
to investigate holding an advocacy dinner at our campus
to further spread the word of the positive impacts we
our having as future physical therapists It is our job as students to carry on these paths our leaders in the eld have paved and to spread the word on the importance of #GettingPT rst.
For me, this was one of the best events I could have been given the opportunity to attend It was amazing to network with other students and meet individuals who I may collaborate with one day I was able to learn an abundance of information from the different lectures, as well as develop an even stronger picture of how I want to shape my career in the future I would like to truly thank the OPTA for this amazing opportunity I am blessed to be a student in such an amazing state with an association who is dedicated to furthering the education of their students
APTA National Student Conclave Recap
Megan White, SPT –University of Toledo
National Student Conclave (NSC) is the only national conference, planned annually for students by students, that is designed to engage students in networking and career planning My journey to attending NSC began last June when I received an email from Michelle Masterson, PT, Ph D , and Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at The University of Toledo She explained that the OPTA was sponsoring two students to attend the conference, attaching a link to the NSC website and application form to be submitted. I brie y skimmed the
email, but was unsure of applying as my initial thoughts were, “How can I miss two days of class?” and “How will this experience bene t me?” Even after exploring the NSC website and conference schedule, I was still hesitant to submit, thinking if selected, I would be alone with no familiar faces to talk to and no experience to network with future employers Fast forward to September 13, 2016, when I received an email that I was chosen to attend NSC by the OPTA I was grateful for the opportunity OPTA had given me, so I quickly booked my hotel and ight to Miami and bought my conference ticket NSC was the opportunity
of a lifetime, and after attending, the main experiences that stood out during the conference were the educational sessions, networking with future employers, and peer relationships formed while engaging in social activities
From the moment I walked into the Thursday night “Ignite” session, until I walked out after Saturday evening’s “Snap Learning Spot Session,” I did not stop learning I attended several educational sessions and discovered effective strategies for treating patients in pain, how to effectively evaluate patients with neurologic diagnoses using movement analysis, and how physical therapists
can play a vital role in the Emergency Department Along with increasing my knowledge of patient management, I also attended several “Snap Learning Spot Sessions” that focused on professional development. In the rst session, I gained a better understanding of the bene ts of a residency training program, the application process, and the selection and interview procedures In the next session, I received information on how I could obtain specialist certi cations and the various pathways to achieving these certi cations. Another session discussed the central elements in creating a successful practice with current private practice owners, which is a future goal of mine. The nal seminar focused
on three key strategies to create your professional identity and preparing an outstanding resume that will lead to a
job upon graduation NSC presented a packed schedule, and collectively, the various sessions helped to further my development as a future physical therapist
However, the breadth of knowledge I gained during NSC was more than professional Having the opportunity
to listen to the keynote speaker, Scott Chesney, as he shared his personal story with physical therapy and living his life in a wheelchair, inspired me to dream big, be receptive to change, and live life with an open heart and mind Also, listening to several plenary session speakers, who emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, developing a work-life balance, nding my purpose in life, and becoming the physical therapist I want to be, provided insight that is beyond the classroom Each speaker provided me with new knowledge, which I will embrace as I continue my journey towards becoming a physical therapist
Throughout the weekend, there was plenty of time to browse the booths in the exhibit hall Exhibitors offered various materials related to employment, residency programs, the NPTE test preparation, clinical apps, ABPTS specialist certi cation, and the various APTA sections;