Step 1: Research a Career

Choose a career in the physical therapy, orthopedics, chiropractic, kinesiology, or exercise physiology fields to research.
Use sources such as:
• Nationwide Children's Hospital
• Science Buddies

Step 2: Create a Career Bio
Find a video to watch or an article to read about someone in your chosen health career.
Write up a short biography of the person featured in your article/video.
Be sure to include:
• A description of the career
• Any education mentioned for the career
• What makes that career socially important
• Link to your source(s)
Step 3: Write a Referral Letter
Imagine that you are a healthcare provider who is referring a patient to this specialist. This will require some online research into possible conditions that your chosen specialist might treat. Write a letter of referral, explaining the patient's issue. Make sure that you use medical terms to describe where and how the patient is having issues with their movement.
Ask for the specialist's opinion to help you diagnose the patient or create a care plan.

1 answer

Step 1: Research a Career

Career Chosen: Physical Therapist

Description of the Career: A physical therapist (PT) is a healthcare professional who helps patients improve their movement and manage pain. Using a variety of treatment techniques and exercises, physical therapists work with individuals facing challenges after injury, surgery, or chronic conditions, to restore function and enhance quality of life.

Sources:

Step 2: Create a Career Bio

Biography of a Physical Therapist: Dr. Emily Johnson

Dr. Emily Johnson is a licensed physical therapist with over ten years of experience in outpatient rehabilitation. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Southern California, where she excelled in coursework focusing on orthopedics and sports medicine.

In her role at a community rehabilitation center, Dr. Johnson specializes in treating athletes recovering from injuries and patients with chronic pain conditions. Her approach is deeply rooted in evidence-based practice, combining manual therapy techniques with customized exercise programs to help her patients regain mobility and strength.

Dr. Johnson believes that her profession is socially important because it not only helps individuals physically recover but also empowers them to lead healthier and more active lives. By facilitating rehabilitation, she plays a critical role in improving overall patient wellness and functioning, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

Source:

Step 3: Write a Referral Letter

[Your Practice Name]
[Your Practice Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]

Dr. Emily Johnson
[Rehabilitation Center Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]

Dear Dr. Johnson,

I am writing to refer my patient, Ms. Sarah Thompson, a 34-year-old female who has been experiencing persistent discomfort in her lower back and limitations in mobility following a recent automobile accident. During her evaluations, she has reported significant pain (6/10 on the pain scale) localized in the lumbar region that worsens with prolonged sitting and certain movements, such as bending or lifting.

Upon examination, it was noted that she exhibits limited range of motion in her lumbar spine and muscle tightness in her hamstrings and lower back. Additionally, she has indicated that her symptoms have begun to affect her daily activities and overall quality of life, as she struggles with routine tasks.

Given your expertise in physical therapy and rehabilitation strategies, I believe you would provide valuable insight into diagnosing the underlying issues and developing a comprehensive care plan tailored to her needs. Your approach to treating such cases with a blend of manual therapy and an exercise regimen could significantly benefit Ms. Thompson's recovery process.

Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information regarding her condition or our previous medical interventions.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your evaluation and recommendations.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Practice Name]
[Contact Information]


This setup summarizes the tasks while ensuring clarity about the career and includes a potential referral letter relevant to the discipline of physical therapy.