Hey classmates,

We have been learning a lot about different ways to think, and different things that govern the way we do operate as PTs.  For example, we learned about the Code of Ethics, which governs (or should) how we interact with our patients, clients, co-workers, public..everyone pretty much.  The Code of Ethics was made with the Core Values in mind, another “governing force” in the way we think and act as professionals.  We also learned about the Nagi model, the ICF model, the EBP model, the patient management model…so many models and diagrams and things governing how we work as PTs.

These things are all good, necessary really, especially for our tiny 1st year brains.  These governing models act as a foundation to learn everything else.

I wanted to propose to you yet ANOTHER governing force to always be cognizant of and to always refer back to.  And that is the answer to this question What makes you tick? What I mean by that is, why are you doing this?  What caused you to want to be a PT.  What do you like about it.  Why are YOU doing what you are doing.

Why this matters:

The reason I am proposing this as a “governing force” in what we do as PTs is because amongst all the other great things we will learn that is simply the thing that will keep YOU on the track you want to be on.  The answer to this question will guide your studying, your time management; it will also give you solidity moving forward as a professional.  If you start your PT pursuit because you wanted to start a practice or you wanted to be in administration or you love working with peds, then never forget that. If we can constantly remind ourselves of our ticker, it will help guide us to (or back to) what we really enjoy about our work.  Let your ticker influence your treatment of your patients, and we will all benefit.

The Challenge:

I wanted to extend a challenge to any student or current physical therapist to really sit down and right out what makes you tick.  Why are you doing what you are doing, and let that guide you in your current situation.

 

Hope that is helpful