Week 3: Expanding My Reach
Misha P -
As I continue through this internship, I am beginning to branch out beyond the physicians whom I initially shadowed. This week, I had the opportunity to observe physical therapists (PTs) working and learned more about their role in assisting a patient to recover and rehabilitate. While surgeons provide operative intervention, physical therapists assist patients in the recovery of strength and mobility through specific exercises and therapy protocols, providing an alternative but no less critical element of patient care.
One of the key learnings from this experience was observing how TSAOG surgeons and physical therapists work closely with one another. The majority of patients treated by physical therapy are referred to them by TSAOG surgeons directly, meaning there is no break in care continuum. Since both the surgeons and physical therapists belong to the same system, they have direct access to shared patient records and can easily communicate about treatment plans. This interconnected system facilitates improved collaboration since the physical therapists are already familiar with the surgeons’ expectations and guidelines. However, I also observed some patients to be referred to PT by outside doctors. In such cases, less direct communication requires more intermediate steps to be accomplished in planning care. Seeing this contrast highlighted the importance of integrated healthcare systems in streamlining patient treatment and improving outcomes.
In addition, I observed physical therapy students assisting in the clinic. The students assisted in a supporting role by prepping sessions, guiding patients through exercises, and maintaining the area clean and organized. Their work allowed the licensed physical therapists to focus on evaluations, medical advice, and specialized treatment plans. Watching the PTs balance their responsibilities—evaluating patients, developing treatment plans, and teaching live—reinforced my understanding of how hands-on and patient-centered this career truly is.
This week presented to me a different perspective on post-op rehabilitation and collaborating as an interdisciplinary team of medical providers. As I continue, I am looking forward to continuing to learn more about the other aspects of healthcare and how all pieces come together in the overall picture of patient wellness. Join me again next time as I continue learning more and digging into the world of medicine‘s interconnectedness!