Pivots, Redirection, Life’s Timing- Trusting the Process. Chidera S.I.’s Story | US National Guard to Doctor of Physical Therapy(DPT) Student.

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• Blood Pressure: 130/90 – Stressed

• Respiratory Rate: 18 – Breathing

• One word to describe your story: Resilient

  
  

Chidera SI is a DPT student at the University of Central Florida. Graduating with her B.S. in Medical Biology from the University of South Florida, then enrolling in the US National Guard, before finding her way to UCF, her story is one with lots of redirection to find where she fits in the healthcare bubble.

Interviewer:  Why Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT)? Why not another medical field?

Chidera S.I.

“First, I knew from the get-go that the medical field was lucrative and interesting to me. As a graduate of medical biology, I wasn't quite sure what should come next for me beyond my interest. So, I pivoted and ran off to the military. It was grueling, but I enjoyed it and went on the road to becoming a combat medic and gaining my EMT certification as well. Next, I still wasn't quite sure what to do, but I wanted to serve people and really get to know what I would be getting into with the medical field, so I got my Phlebotomist certification and my Certified Nursing Assistant certification. For the next 4 years, I served as a CNA and continued my military journey. Through all this push and pull internally, one thing was consistent: I loved being active, I loved sports, and I loved blood and injury recovery, as crazy as that may sound. 

Still moving on in my life, I remember a conversation I had with my friend, we will call him C., and he kind of rapidly fired some things that could be of interest where I could culminate my interest into, and one of them was Physical Therapy. Now I was clueless about this path, as I'm sure many premeds out there could be, and actually never really heard of it, so I wasn't fully convinced. 

Then I sprained my ankle and needed to visit a physical therapist, and that truly is where my eyes were opened. The hours spent with my physical therapist, the level of intimacy and personalization with the provider I got was very different from the amount of time I had with patients as a CNA. So then I followed my curiosity and shadowed a physical therapist, and I loved it. As someone who struggles with interacting with people from time to time, it was amazing to learn that I actually really loved this aspect of the role in the professional setting. 

From here, it seemed physical therapy seemed to follow me wherever I went. During my military role, I came into contact with a physical therapist, and it made me think huh, this is amazing and my military and personal career goals could collide in such a way. Before I knew it, I had already pieced together my plan without realizing and then I went for it and started applying to schools.”

Interviewer: What does schooling entail for a Doctorate in Physical Therapy program?

Chidera S.I.

"I am currently a student in the University of Central Florida Doctorate in Physical Therapy program. The program is for a duration of 3 years or nine semesters. You get your white coat at the end of your fourth semester, and by your last semester, you will have gone out into the workforce for clinicals to gain some experience before graduating as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. You can move on to complete a residency and specialize or head straight into the workforce, open your own practice, and more.”

Interviewer: What has been the hardest part of schooling in Physical Therapy (PT)?

Chidera S.I.

“For me, I would say finances. I feel like in undergrad I was able to pick up shifts as a CNA, and tweak my schedule as I fit to make that work and have an income, but I genuinely feel like the physical therapy program has demanded a lot of focus from me. This resulted in my finances taking quite a hit as I am not working currently. I am grateful to have received scholarships for my program, which reduced the loan burden, but I don't think anyone warned me of the shift from highly independent to needing to be carried through the program and the importance of a support system and financial literacy when it comes to loans and more.”

Interviewer: Now that you have a few semesters under your belt, what is one misconception that people have about the Physical therapist occupation?

Chidera S.I.

“This is a fun question because, as someone who started with knowing nothing about physical therapy, I have been in those very shoes of putting the profession in a box. One misconception I would say is that all physical therapists do is work with athletes or only aid with sports medicine. From shadowing and my experience now in school, I have come to know the benefits of physical therapy. 

Learning about the musculoskeletal system and then going further to understand how that connects with the nervous system and cardiac system has been enlightening. Physical therapists work with patients from all walks of life and ages, from geriatric patients to a mother-to-be, postpartum mother, to pediatrics, and all the way to children. There is a ton to see and learn in the field.”

Interviewer: How has your perspective on people changed since learning more about what it means to be a Doctor of Physical Therapy?

Chidera S.I.

“One thing I have come to realize is that we are quick to put labels and categorize things, people, ideas, etc., and sometimes it limits us to other perspectives as we constantly place things in a box. Since learning about the different kinds of equipment prescribed for various patients and how they can graduate from wheelchair to crutches, then to a cane, I have come to see further into people using these devices. I see independence, I see resilience, I see time and care, and the endearing relationship building along the way with a provider, to help someone regain their autonomy. I see where I can make a change and an impact. This is a very personal culmination of my semester so far that I think is very beautiful.”

Interviewer: As an insider in the field, do you have any words for patients out there regarding the field?

Chidera S.I.

“I formally believe the main purpose of all that physical therapy encompasses is to serve the patient and to understand their ailments. Because I know how amazing the field is and my personal journey to embark on this path, I want to spread awareness on the field to patients seeking help and students at crossroads, figuring out a path that works for them. A physical therapist may not be your first or even last stop in your healthcare journey, but we truly are there for our patients and want to improve their quality of life however we can.”

Interviewer Excerpt: The purpose in highlighting this story is to inform all those out there who may be Pre-Medical students, Medical students, Pivoting RN’s etc, or anyone in training, of this avenue in healthcare which is often not talked about. I also want to highlight Chidera S.I.’s nonlinear path in her journey! No, it is not too late to go back to school, yes, you can pivot and try new things, and it will only lead you to learn more of what you do and don’t want in life. Don't be scared to take risks, and know that redirection isn't failure, or you being behind! This is your own life and path, and there’s so much room for all of us in this healthcare bubble. To the patients out there, take advantage and learn more about physical therapist providers and how they can best fit into your healthcare plan!

Thank you for reading this week's pulse. I tried to keep it as raw as possible, so it could feel as though our interviewee was speaking directly to YOU! Hope to see you all very soon!

Interviewer: Uchechi ibewuike