PHYSICAL THERAPY DEVELOPMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A STUDENTS STUDYING PHYSICAL THERAPY

Abstract

The present era of physical therapy development in Pakistan may be regraded as ‘Golden Era’ where physical therapy profession has seen rapid changes. Introduction of Doctor of Physical Therapy may be one of the reasons due to which the profession moved rapidly. New institutes were established and variety of specialized programs started in the last two decades. Apart from introduction of new institutes and new programs, a number of physical therapists are hired or accommodated in clinical settings. Academically, uniform DPT curriculum was approved and revised by Higher Education Commission, Pakistan which might be seen another development in this ‘Golden Era’.  

Growth of a profession is something that is expected naturally, however, moving the flow of growth in the right direction is responsibilities of all those who are connected to the profession. This is what is needed to be focused by all physical therapists in the country. The focus of this editorial is characteristics of students studying physical therapy. Being as a student of physical therapy, one must be aware that he/she is the ambassador of physical therapy and, therefore, all students of physical therapy must ensure excellent professional characteristics.    

One of the most important characteristics of being in medical profession is altruism which means that one should be unselfish towards the well-being of others¹. All students of physical therapy should know that they will be providing quality services to their patient in unselfish manner following completion of there degree program. Moreover, all the students must be compassionate towards their role and responsibilities. A good physical therapy student must know that his job demand working with suffering and less destitute population and, therefore, he/she must mastered how to politely deal with those less destitute patients. In your future role, you will come across some ethical issues, therefore, knowledge of your duties and accountability towards your professional duties is another important aspect that being as service provider you should know. Truthfulness, fairness, conscientiousness are some other core characteristics that are regarded integral parts medical service providers and, therefore, students of physical therapy must have all these characteristics.   

Apart from the above characteristics, being as students of DPT it is prime responsibility to master the skills required for treating a patient. Upgradation of physical therapy qualification puts huge responsibilities on the individuals who want to become physical therapists. The role of physical therapist having DPT qualification has entirely changed over time and now with sound knowledge and accredited qualification, a physical therapist is able to have direct access to patients. Physical therapists are can be first choice of contact and are autonomous in taken clinical decisions in their domain.