Is PT right for me?

[gowildcats44]

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Hello All,

I just started my DPT program 3 weeks ago and I am starting to have doubts about the profession... At this point I feel a little freaked out that maybe I chose the wrong path and I would be better enjoy a chemistry-based program like Pharm. I have always been better at my chemistry classes over my anatomy/physiology classes in undergrad and now maybe it has finally occurred to me that maybe I enjoy that more. At the same time I enjoy working with people and I know I would make a great PT.

I am scared to talk to anyone about this because I know they will just tell me to "push through" and give it time but this time will only cost me MORE time and student loans. Anyone else go through this? Any advice you can offer?

 

[Dr Kat Lieu]

If you want to be able to use your hands and skills to help people directly, then I highly recommend you continue your education as a PT. A pharmacist interacts with patients differently.

I understand your anxiety. Once you pass these classes and go on clinical affiliations, that is truly when you will know whether or not you have made the right decision, in my honest opinion. Until you get to interact with patients face-to-face, you won't get to experience how wonderful it is to be a PT. Remember why you had chosen this career path.

In order to ace anatomy, use the anatomy learning cards, stay after class to really study the cadavers, and appreciate the beauty of the human body, the muscles and joints.

If you feel you really need to reconsider, think about it this way: school is only 3 years, a career may be a lifetime. Do you want to be a pharmacist, working with medications and having limited patient time, or work with your hands and skills to rehabilitate people?

Dr. Kat Lieu

 

[markelmarcel]

I think it would help for you to read a recent post that I just made about how I was freaking out about starting PT school. A lot of people gave me great advice and honestly, although I'm on overload, I *think* I may be slowly enjoying it a little bit more as time goes on.

Sorry I don't have time to write more of a response, but I have to study all my muscles because our first big test is coming up!!! 🙂

PM me if you want to, after reading my post if you want to talk any further, though!!!

My post is here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=856318&referrerid=300209

 

[gowildcats44]

Yes, the tests are starting to roll in! Thanks I will definitely check out that thread. Dr. Kat Lieu, that was some great advice about the career vs. schooling. Overall I think PT is the right fit and I just need to remember that it is a career that I have always thought I will enjoy.

 

[johncronejr]

If it makes you feel any better, a large number of people, me among them, were wondering if we had made the right choice about three weeks in LOL. That seems to have passed. It is just such an overwhelming amount of information, with gross anatomy being the main culprit. I think everything will be okay ;-)

 

[markelmarcel]

If it makes you feel any better, a large number of people, me among them, were wondering if we had made the right choice about three weeks in LOL. That seems to have passed. It is just such an overwhelming amount of information, with gross anatomy being the main culprit. I think everything will be okay ;-)

Amen.

 

[seminolefish]

Hey you're DEFINITELY not alone Wildcat! I was very close to dropping out because I was scared of the responsibility. I'm a 2nd year now and I was also very good at chemistry; shoot, I majored in it and strongly considered pharmacy! However, I wanted to be a PT because of the hands on and direct pt. interaction and relationships that are made. I love working one-on-one with people of all ages. I'm doing one day clinical visits and working with patients in Neurorehab and MSK and I LOVE it now! The hard part is just getting to that point of semi-comfortability. I can't say I'm even 50% comfortable but you just have to accept the fact that you will continue to learn the rest of your life. You will find what works for you and what doesn't because there are a plethora of tools out there to help people. Some people may find this a burden, but I look at it in a positive light that I will ALWAYS be challenged and will never settle and become bored. Chin up, you chose this career for a reason. I highly recommend you volunteer and work with patients to give you some perspective!

 

[gowildcats44]

Hey you're DEFINITELY not alone Wildcat! I was very close to dropping out because I was scared of the responsibility. I'm a 2nd year now and I was also very good at chemistry; shoot, I majored in it and strongly considered pharmacy! However, I wanted to be a PT because of the hands on and direct pt. interaction and relationships that are made. I love working one-on-one with people of all ages. I'm doing one day clinical visits and working with patients in Neurorehab and MSK and I LOVE it now! The hard part is just getting to that point of semi-comfortability. I can't say I'm even 50% comfortable but you just have to accept the fact that you will continue to learn the rest of your life. You will find what works for you and what doesn't because there are a plethora of tools out there to help people. Some people may find this a burden, but I look at it in a positive light that I will ALWAYS be challenged and will never settle and become bored. Chin up, you chose this career for a reason. I highly recommend you volunteer and work with patients to give you some perspective!

Wow, that is so great to hear you have no idea! I'm definitely doing better since I first posted this and am finding the more I take an active interest in all my classes, the better things are going. Glad to hear I am not alone! Side note: It's hard to let go of the chemistry, huh? haha.

 

[markelmarcel]

Side note: It's hard to let go of the chemistry, huh? haha.

I agree... Chemistry is super fun.

 

[Lubeckd]

Great post, my family wants my bro to go into PT. In the pharm program it's a lot of physiology and chemistry, without the anatomy. It's the main reason why I picked pharmacy...