Essay On Professionalism In Physical Therapy

Words: 441
Pages: 2

Professionalism in the practice of physical therapy plays a huge role. Specifically, appearance says a lot to patients about their physical therapist. In all outpatient clinics I have been too, all therapists are well-dressed and look very presentable. If formal attire is worn, there is already a certain respect demanded and professionalism displayed. The therapist’s appearance also sends a message that they care about making a good impression for themselves and the clinic. Contrary to the outpatient clinic, appearance at one of the inpatient facilities was not a priority. All therapists dressed the same as to tell them apart from other doctors, but it was not formal by any means. In that setting, the therapists were not as respected as I had seen in all outpatient …show more content…
It goes a long way for therapists to arrive at work with a positive attitude and desire to help their patients. I believe when a therapist has a good attitude and is more upbeat, then the patient will want to work and feed off the therapist’s energy. In all settings I observed at, attitude was the most consistent characteristic displayed. I noticed that the livelier physical therapists received better feedback from the patients, whether it was an inpatient or outpatient facility. I specifically remember one therapist who was overjoyed and making conversation with each patient she saw that day. The response she received from her patients reflected what she was giving off. If nothing else, attitude is one thing we can always control which goes a long way in the profession of physical therapy.
Professionalism as a physical therapist is consistently being formally dressed, organized, and enthusiastic. I’ve been in enough physical therapy settings to understand the correct ways to display professionalism. As a future student in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program, professionalism is holding oneself to the highest caliber every