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Observing a Professional: Preclinical Experience

Candice Shadgoo

PT341: Preclinical Experience

Professor Laura Driscoll

Spring 2016

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Although it is important to learn about different aspects of physical therapy in the

classroom, observation is an essential mode of gaining information. Through shadowing,

it is possible to observe both the best implementations of interpersonal communication

and professional skills in order to encourage rehabilitation as well as the consequences

when these methods are not as effective. For my preclinical experience, I shadowed

Edward D. Segel at Allston Physical Medical Center for 32 hours. I shadowed 8 hours

every Wednesday for the first several weeks of the Spring 2016 semester. In this facility,

the therapist treated many patients suffering from traumatic injuries as well as several

patients who were referred by insurance companies. For the most part, my experience

shadowing Edward Segel in his physical therapy clinic validated my choice to pursue a

career in physical therapy and reinforced the importance of interpersonal skills,

communication skills, and professionalism.

In once case, a patient sought physical therapy at the clinic after being treated for

a gunshot wound to his right hip just inches away from his femoral artery. When I began

shadowing at the clinic, this patient had already been in physical therapy with Edward

Segel for approximately one month. With this patient, Mr. Segel exhibited excellent

interpersonal skills, communication skills, and professionalism. Perhaps it was his 22

years of experience, but at the time that I had observed him, Mr. Segel easily listened to

the patient’s concerns. Two of the greatest issues that concerned the patient included a

lack of sensation and numbness on the lateral portion of his thigh as well as the loss of his

ability to return to work. Mr. Segel maintained an encouraging balance of realistic

expectations and optimism, which helped the patient’s recovery. Not only did Mr. Segel

have a comfortable relationship with this patient, but also with the other physicians

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working in the clinic. Mr. Segel worked alongside an internal medicine doctor as well as

a physiatrist. In another instance, Mr. Segel demonstrated his superb interpersonal skills

when interacting with the wife of a patient who was involved in a fatal car crash and a

newborn son. Mr. Segel’s ability to deal sensitively with her pain as well as with her

husband’s pain allowed them to work through this challenging situation together and

begin the road to physical recovery. Throughout my time observing Edward Segel, I was

truly impressed by his post-entry interpersonal skills. I also learned that as a future

physical therapist, having a strong positive relationship with patients, families, and

coworkers is vital to have the best patient outcomes.

Not only do physical therapists need to be able to compassionately deal with the

patients and families, but they also need to be able to communicate clearly on a number

of different levels. At times, Mr. Segel would overestimate his patients’ grasp of medical

terminology. For example, in the car accident case mentioned above, he first explained

the young man’s injuries in medical jargon, only to soon realize that the patient did not

understand terms such as “lordosis”, “trapezius”, “scapula”, or “lumbar region”.

Although these terms seem relatively straightforward and simple for a clinician, Mr.

Segel did not always acknowledge that the patients lacked this specialized vocabulary.

When the patient asked, Mr. Segel eventually repeated everything in layman’s terms, but

he seemed rather annoyed having to repeat himself. Aside from this tendency, which

showed me a negative example of communication, Mr. Segel consistently demonstrated

great communication skills. He wrote legibly, he always maintained eye contact, and

always asked how the patient was feeling and tried to find the sources and causes of pain

through open communication and asking questions. From shadowing Mr. Segel, I saw the

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necessity of clear communication and hope when I am a physical therapist to strike a

balance between presenting information in a scientifically correct yet acceptable manner.

Throughout the 32 hours in which I observed Mr. Segel, he consistently exhibited

incredible professionalism. While I am still not aware of the entirety of his role in the

APTA and other professional organizations, I do know that he supports research and acts

a leader in his clinic. Furthermore, Mr. Segel’s punctuality, prioritization of patients,

organization, and high ethical standards served as an indicator of his professionalism as a

physical therapist. Mr. Segel was never content with resting on his previous knowledge—

he was always driven to learn and research more about different exercises and treatments

for injuries. Every time I would walk into the clinic, Mr. Segel would be early and sitting

at his desk reading articles online about, for instance, the most effective ways to treat

plantar fasciitis. Mr. Segel’s hard work and constant search for knowledge underscored

that professionalism is an ongoing quality.

Observing Mr. Segel at the Allston Physical Medical Center confirmed my desire

to be a physical therapist. I was most excited at seeing the positive changes in many

patients as they worked toward their physical recovery. Some of my happiest memories

surround the patients who were able to be discharged once they made a full recovery.

Watching Mr. Segel’s interpersonal skills, communication skills, and professionalism

emphasized for me the key role that these qualities play in aiding a patient’s recovery and

in making physical therapy a significant part of the medical community.

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