One clinical rotation down, two more to go- and what a journey it has been! For any DPT student, that first clinical feels like a monumental achievement. It’s not just about the accomplishment; it’s about realizing that all the lectures, study hours, and lab skills you worked so hard to learn have now been put to use for real patients. The feeling when you finish your first clinical round is a blend of professional achievement and much needed confidence. You’ve done it. You’ve provided care, made decisions, and handled challenges on your own. And that’s a powerful moment.
Of course, there’s still a lot to learn-there always is, but nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing the pieces come together. And it true what they say, you really learn the most during you rotations. And with my first clinical behind me, the road ahead feels a bit more manageable. It’s amazing how much of what you’ve learned starts to click once you’re in the field.
To dive a bit into my personal experience, my first clinical was in inpatient care, and while I’m more interested in outpatient physical therapy, I can confidently say that the experience was invaluable. Inpatient settings stretch you in ways you don’t expect- they’re high-stakes environments where you have to think on your feet, problem-solve, and connect with so many different personalities. Every day was different, and each with a new lesson.
For me, working at the VA was deeply emotional and, at times, honestly, a bit too much for me. There’s a gravity to working with veterans, many of whom carry experiences and stories far beyond their current medical needs. And their medical needs are substantial, and sometimes life-threatening. It's not for everyone, but it's great to learn what your interests are a where your passion truly lies.
But what struck me most was the opportunity to form connections with these patients, even if just for a moment. Making even the smallest difference in someone’s life reminded me why I chose this career in the first place. It's easy to forget that during the stress of exams and coursework, but clinical brought me back to the heart of why I’m here. This first rotation helped me regain a sense of purpose. Being in the thick of patient care was a breath of fresh air after long hours of lectures. It reignited that passion that sometimes gets lost in the day-to-day grind. Clinical is where the "why" of physical therapy really comes to life.
As I look forward to my second and third clinicals, I feel both excited and ready for new challenges. Whether it’s outpatient, sports rehab, or neurological care, each rotation will offer new opportunities to grow and refinement of skills. If I’ve learned anything so far, it’s that this is where the real transformation happens-not just in your knowledge, but in how you see yourself as a future physical therapist.
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