The Division of Physical Therapy, located within the UNC School of Medicine’s Department of Health Sciences, hosted its second annual Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Exploratory Day on April 13 in Bondurant Hall.
The full-day event was designed to extend the program’s reach to potential applicants and students from groups who are underrepresented within the physical therapy profession, first-generation college students, and those interested in working in underserved or rural areas of North Carolina. Building upon last year’s successful program, the day consisted of informational and educational sessions, hands-on lab experiences, and panel discussions to provide insight into the DPT profession, the admissions process, and what to expect as a PT student.
Reflecting North Carolina Communities Within the PT Workforce
The physical therapy workforce in North Carolina continues to increase – it was up by 6.4 percent in 2022, according to North Carolina Health Professional Supply Data from Sheps Health Workforce NC. Despite the field’s growth, physical therapy still has room for improvement when it comes to educating and employing practitioners that accurately reflect the demographic makeup of the state. These efforts can improve patient access, reduce health disparities – especially in underrepresented groups within North Carolina – and lead to better health in the state.
In the inaugural Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture delivered by Gregory Hicks, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Dr. Hicks identified several reasons why underrepresented persons were not entering the profession, including: “limited exposure to the profession; unequal preparation for graduate education (admissions and matriculation); and lack of coordinated focus on recruitment of underrepresented students.”
“The DPT Exploratory Day was a coordinated effort between UNC-CH DPT students and faculty to address these, and other factors, that contribute to the lack of diversity within the physical therapy profession,” said Deidra Charity, PT, DPT, assistant professor within the Division of Physical Therapy and primary coordinator of the event.
UNC’s School of Medicine offers additional programs aimed to support medical students and residents including those from historically underrepresented backgrounds and those who have an interest in working or rural or underserved communities in North Carolina, including the Carolina First Look and Carolina Second Look programs. DPT Exploratory Day has expanded on the opportunity to introduce the physical therapy program to a group of potential graduate students and future healthcare professionals in alignment with the UNC School of Medicine mission.
Participants Receive an Immersive Look into the DPT Program
The planning committee for the program made a few changes after the inaugural event in 2023, including participants choosing their own lab experience, providing tours of Bondurant and Roper Halls, and offering more opportunities for participants to learn from alumni, residents and PhD students.
The all-day event began with headshots and breakfast, then participants were welcomed by Charity, Krysten Le, student leader, and Jake Sentman, an incoming DPT student who participated in DPT Exploratory Day 2023. Next, the group was introduced to the DPT program by Laurie Ray, the interim division director and associate professor, and was given a tour of Bondurant Hall, the home of the DPT program and other programs within the Department of Health Sciences.
Following the tour, a panel comprised of assistant professor Bria Dunn, associate professor Mike Lewek and assistant professor Dana McCarty plus current UNC orthopedic resident Megna Mishra answered a number of questions from Charity, who served as moderator, and Exploratory Day participants.
To get a feel for the program in action, participants engaged in lab experiences led by Dunn, Lewek and assistant professor Sean Lowers.
A group of Exploratory Day participants engaged in a brief lecture and lab experience led by Dr. Bria Dunn that reviewed the anatomy and biomechanics of the knee, common mechanisms of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and the role of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction surgery. Working together in small groups, DPT student volunteers played the roles of therapists and patients demonstrating proper NMES application to the quadriceps muscle while Exploratory Day participants guided their “patient” through common ACL rehabilitation exercises.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit Dr. Michael Lewek’s Interdisciplinary Human Movement Science Lab where they engaged in interactive demonstrations related to measuring and modifying walking. Lewek provided an overview of various pieces of research equipment and participants were able to try some of the research tools used to measure human motion and forces and discuss how research can translate to clinical practice.
Dr. Sean Lowers led a lab in which participants observed a cardiopulmonary physical therapy simulation experience which allowed DPT students the opportunity to practice performing a patient interview, conduct a physical therapy examination, manage the lines and leads typically found in a hospital setting, and monitor and respond to changes in patient status in real time. After their time in the labs, participants were treated to lunch in the Beach Café.
After lunch, a student panel moderated by Le included current DPT students Noel Januszewski, Rachel Kapiko, Ethan Meng, Morgan McKinley, Scott Sellers, Taylor Steele, and Justin Wilson. The panelists answered questions from Le and program attendees. In addition to hearing first-hand student experiences within the program, participants learned the details about the application and admissions process, a discussion led by assistant professor Louise Thoma and SPTA leaders Bryce Griffin and Wilson. Finally, closing remarks from Charity and Alexus Lewis, another SPTA leader, ended the day.
Reflections on the Event
“The 2024 UNC DPT Exploratory Day was another very successful event as we welcomed 43 participants representing different schools across the state and country,” said Charity. “I’m confident that Jake Sentman – a former Exploratory Day participant and incoming DPT student – sharing his remarks and experiences provided inspiration to some of this year’s Exploratory Day participants who have similar goals of gaining admission into UNC’s physical therapy program.”
One participant shared, “coming from California, [DPT Exploratory Day] was an incredible experience and made me excited to reapply to PT school. Being able to connect with everyone, seeing what being a DPT student at UNC’s program would be like, gave me reassurance that I made the right decision in becoming a PT.”
36 of the 43 attendees answered a survey about the event, and all respondents rated every activity as “Good” or “Excellent.” Additionally, 35 of the respondents strongly agreed that the program was a valuable experience.
Another participant said they felt comfortable to approach anyone and loved learning both 1:1 and in panel conversations. Other survey respondents appreciated the transparency in sharing expectations for students within the program, details about the admissions process, and opportunity to learn in small groups. Interactions with faculty and current students were incredibly valuable to participants, who took special interest in participating in the lab experiences.
“One of the best parts of the day is the interaction with participants and sharing what makes UNC’s physical therapy program unique,” said Charity. “Exploratory Day provides great insight into the features of the program as participants are encouraged to ask questions throughout the day and have opportunities for one-on-one interactions as well, and the event has easily become one of my favorite parts of the spring semester.”
Acknowledgements
Much work and planning go into a successful event like the DPT Exploratory Day, and it would not be possible without university partners, student and faculty volunteers, and staff support. The UNC Division of Physical Therapy thanks the following entities for their support and contributions to the 2024 UNC DPT Exploratory Day: UNC School of Medicine’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement, UNC School of Medicine’s Office of Scholastic Enrichment & Equity, UNC Department of Health Sciences, APTA North Carolina, Chapel Hill Sportswear, and UNC Visitors Center.