Skip to main content

Undergraduate education

University of Kentucky

Graduate school

University of Kentucky

Professional interests

My current professional interests include:
1. Patient care involving treatment of neurological disorders (i.e. Parkinson’s disease, stroke)
2. Student engagement with teaching and serving as a clinical instructor
3. Research
4. Outreach/educational programs

Why I chose to do a residency/fellowship program at UNC

There were many requirements that I was looking for when applying to Neuro Residency programs. Some of the requirements I had was that the program would be associated with a teaching hospital/university and another was in a location that I would enjoy living in for a year (or more). When researching about the UNC residency program, I liked the mission of UNC hospital where they highlighted “interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research” which are 3 areas that I also value. Also, UNC PT school is a highly ranked PT program so I knew that the professors at the university would provide a great educational/mentor support throughout the residency program. When looking deeper into the program, there were many opportunities that I could participate in and make this residency year tailored towards my goals. I’ve been honored to be a part of a great residency program!

This residency program has provided skills, resources, and opportunities for me to grow as a physical therapist not only within patient care but also in the physical therapy profession. The knowledge I have learned with evaluating and treating individuals with various neurologic conditions has been enriched with the mentorship opportunities within the diverse settings (acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, hospital-based outpatient and university-based outpatient clinics). I have been able to refine my skills with interventions for neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and stroke as well as develop skills in vestibular treatments for concussion and peripheral vestibular disorders. The additional opportunities have been a great asset to my residency year and was one of the highlights of the program which drew me to apply to UNC. I have had the opportunities to explore my interests in student teaching with assisting in labs, grading, and serving as a clinical mentor for a PT student. I am also able to participate in research studies at UNC and volunteer with a planning committee for a pediatric summer program. All the therapists, managers, and professors within UNC have been very supportive and encouraging which was very important during this pandemic year. I am honored to be a part of this residency program and looking forward to using all these new skills in my future endeavors.

What I like about Chapel Hill, NC

Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham area is a mixture of people from various places (NY, Jersey, Ohio, NC). This allowed me to not feel as much as an outsider to the area. The location is also perfect during this pandemic because there are plenty of local hiking areas, Jordan Lake for kayaking, American Tobacco Trail for biking/running, and the beach is only two hours away. There are also a nice variety of different types of locally owned restaurants.

 

Ann O'Neil