Ask more questions each week
my specific goal was to ask at least one question or learn one new task weekly to build my understanding of physical therapy.

Become more involved and confident in a clinical setting
Over time, I pushed yourself to speak up more, interact with patients, and participate in learning opportunities instead of just observing.

Explore different areas of physical therapy
I also aimed to observe multiple specialties (pediatrics, adult care, senior care, and wound care) to understand the full scope of the field.

Learn what a real healthcare environment is like
I wanted a clearer, real world understanding of how physical therapy works day to day, beyond just classroom knowledge.

Communication
I worked on clearly talking with therapists and patients, and learning how to ask questions without hesitation.

Empathy
I emphasized understanding patients’ emotions, listening to their experiences, and making them feel heard and supported.

Patience
I recognized that recovery takes time and that progress can be slow, requiring consistent encouragement.

Confidence
I grew from being reserved and unsure to actively participating, asking questions, and engaging in conversations.

Active listening
I learned the importance of truly listening to patients’ concerns rather than just observing passively.

Adaptability
I adjusted to different clinics, patient needs, and responsibilities throughout your internship.

Professionalism
I practiced behaving appropriately in a healthcare setting, including respecting patient privacy, teamwork, and clinic routines.