Thread by @DrSethPT

When I graduated #physicaltherapy school I wrote down my goals for 5 and 10 years later. I crushed them. In fact, I was thinking way too small.

Here’s the advice I have for new PTs:

1.) Focus on being a clinician first

It’s the foundation of the profession. Regardless of what you end up doing, you’ll have that experience with patients and a better understanding of the field.

2.) Invest in yourself

Think of your career as a multi decade project. It doesn’t just happen. Use your own time, money, leverage mentors to chase questions and passions. Learn like crazy.

3.) Find mentors and use them

Mentorship is part of deliberate practice. We actually need someone else who is more advanced to point out weaknesses we don’t see ourselves. Being uncomfortable means you’re learning. I can’t overstate how important this is.

4.) Sometimes you have to do it

I’ve 20 peer reviewed papers in 8 years and in most I’m the first (or only) author. I see people saying they’re waiting for opportunities, but things move faster if you’re the one with the plan.

5.) Find people who are also passionate

There’s a big difference in environment between being the smartest person in your clinic to the least smart in a room. Find people that will push you to be better.

6.) Don’t be afraid to ask

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. PTs are nice people and busy people often have opportunities for those that are passionate to get involved. Ask.

7.) Return to your roots

Think about why you became a PT- but also how. If you want to make a change to academia etc just start small, see if you like it. Ask for a lab assistant spot and go from there.

8.) Start with a step

It can be overwhelming to look at how long it takes to do something or how many obstacles there are. But believe you can overcome them and just do it one at a time.

9.) Think big

You can do more than you think you can if you’re willing to be motivated and consistent. Where do you want your efforts to go? Have some “big goals” that might sound almost unattainable now. 10 years is a long time.

10.) Reflect and grow

Think about this stuff daily. Make decisions based on your goals. Are you on the right path? Why is why not? Do you need a new mentor? Community? Skills? Reflection is a constant, do it daily. 10/10