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Compiled by John Brieske, Pulse managing editor. Got a health care job that you love? Please send email to jbrieske@ajc.com.
Job: Physical therapist, Heritage Healthcare.
What I do: "I am a physical therapist employed by Heritage Healthcare, working at Hope Assisted Living & Memory Care Center community in Dacula. Heritage Healthcare provides onsite outpatient rehabilitation services, diagnosing and treating individuals who have health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. At Hope ALC, the residents have been diagnosed with varying stages of dementia. "I examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. Also, I work with individuals and families to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles."
How I got into this: "During my first year of college, I felt overwhelmed trying to decide which course of study to pursue. So I prayed to know which path to take and God gave me a great desire to become a physical therapist. I graduated magna cum laude in 1998 from Armstrong Atlantic State University with a Master of Science degree in physical therapy."
Best part of the job: "I enjoy providing physical therapy for the patients at Hope ALC. There is absolutely no monotony when treating amazing people who have been diagnosed with varying stages of dementia, and I am challenged on a daily basis to provide quality patient care utilizing various treatment techniques that will engage each person to reach their maximum functional potential."
Most challenging part: "The most challenging part of my job is developing the treatment strategies that will ensure that a patient progresses toward their goals. With dementia, people respond differently to treatment on different days. I have to be flexible to adjust my treatment strategy for that day because patients with Alzheimer's disease or dementia are at a greater risk of falls and mobility problems."
What people don't know about my job: "Physical therapy can be extremely beneficial to residents with various stages of Alzheimer's disease or dementia… . The complexity of activity and level of engagement can be adjusted as a person's cognitive level changes. However, it should not be assumed that the person with dementia does not regain the ability to perform an activity. I individualize treatment plans using creative ways to maximize the use of an individual's strengths well into the later stages of dementia."
What keeps me going: "Heritage Healthcare has provided me with more support than I could ask for! The company treats me more like family (which is great in this case) than just another employee. Even the corporate staff knows me by name. Because of our partnership with Hope ALC, I am also very blessed to work with dedicated co-workers who truly put patients first. These factors are priceless to me. Residents and families are putting their trust in me, and I take that role very seriously."
Preparation needed: "Most PT entry-level education programs have transitioned from the master's to the doctor of physical therapy degree. The length of professional DPT programs is typically three years, with most programs require applicants to earn a bachelor's degree prior to admission into the DPT program."
Salary: The median annual salary for physical therapists in metro Atlanta is $76,652, according to salary.com.
