By: Rich Kidwell, PT – Regional Director, Partner
Among the many different reasons that Physical Therapists provide when asked “Why did you become a Physical Therapist” is: “To help people”. There may be many variations of that answer given, but at the core, we are all interested in helping people and having a positive impact on their lives. This profession provides a unique opportunity to regularly experience our “Why”.
Many times, in the clinic, when meeting a patient face-to-face for the first time it is apparent that they are in need of help. Patients come to us because they are experiencing pain, facing challenges in function, difficulties in performing activities of daily living, or the inability to perform their jobs leading to a diminished quality of life.
Having the privilege of spending time with these patients and interacting with them, sometimes 3-4 hours per week, is an experience that many others in the healthcare field don’t get to experience. Hearing what a patient’s goal is, and being with them to guide, support, educate, empower and equip them to achieve that goal is a highly rewarding experience.
It can be hard in today’s world with so many external challenges in healthcare to remember the “Why” behind what it is that we do. However, the opportunity presented in this profession, to positively impact so many people’s lives should be a re-affirming thing and continue to motivate us to strive for excellence in providing the care that our patients depend on.
