tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71003340216938983892024-03-01T11:59:35.372-06:00Creating a Physical Therapist Finding out what it takes to become a Physical Therapist.Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-9278648628090097432023-05-22T01:12:00.005-05:002023-05-22T01:12:00.141-05:00Seth Godin: The Purple Cow<p>Doing home health most books I read these days are all audio so technically I don’t read them but listen to them. "The Purple Cow" by Seth Godin is one that I actually “read” it as opposed to listening to it. I enjoy reading business books and I could not put this one down. It was worth the read... here are some thoughts about it. </p><p> “The Purple Cow” challenges businesses to stand out in a crowded marketplace. In the book, Godin argues that the traditional marketing methods of creating safe, boring products and advertising them to a mass audience are no longer effective. Instead, he proposes that businesses need to create remarkable, unique products that will capture the attention of a niche market.</p><p>Godin uses the metaphor of a purple cow to represent a product that is so remarkable that it stands out in a field of ordinary brown cows. He encourages businesses to embrace their own purple cow and differentiate themselves from their competitors. The book also emphasizes the importance of word-of-mouth marketing and building a community of loyal customers who will spread the word about your product.</p><p>The fact that "The Purple Cow" is concise and an easy-to-read writing style makes it an great read. Godin presents his ideas in a clear and engaging way. It was easy to understand. He also uses real-world examples and case studies to illustrate his points, which helps to make the book both informative and entertaining.</p><p>Another reason why "The Purple Cow" is a good book is because it challenges the status quo. It encourages businesses to take risks and be bold, rather than playing it safe and following the crowd. This can be a scary proposition for some business owners, but Godin argues that it is essential for success in today's marketplace.</p><p>Overall, "The Purple Cow" is a must-read for anyone who wants to stand out in their industry and create a truly remarkable product. Its insights and strategies can be applied to businesses of all sizes and industries, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, marketers, and business leaders alike.</p><div><br /></div>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-58499907829035086812023-05-15T10:14:00.004-05:002023-05-15T10:14:00.146-05:00Malcolm Gladwell: Outliers<p>Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell is a book that has a way of making you question your beliefs about success and what it takes to achieve it. On the one hand, Gladwell presents the 10,000-hour rule, which suggests that expertise is achieved through practice and time spent honing one's craft. This concept is empowering, as it implies that anyone can become great at something if they are willing to put in the effort.</p><p>However, the book also explores the idea that success is not just about hard work and innate ability, but also about external factors such as where and when you were born. Gladwell uses examples such as Bill Gates to show how being in the right place at the right time can play a significant role in success. Gates was born into a world where computers were just starting to become popular, and he happened to have access to a computer at a young age. This gave him a head start in programming that many others did not have.</p><p>This concept can be difficult to reconcile with the idea of the 10,000-hour rule. If success is not just about hard work, then what is the point of putting in all that effort? Gladwell's argument, however, is not that hard work is meaningless, but that it is not the only factor in success. External circumstances, such as where you were born, can play a role as well.</p><p>This can be a hard pill to swallow for those who believe in the "just pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality. The book presents a compelling argument that success is not solely determined by individual effort, but also by outside factors that may be out of our control. It is not a matter of blaming external circumstances for our failures, but rather recognizing that they play a role in our success.</p><p>Overall, Outliers is a thought-provoking read that challenges assumptions about success and what it takes to achieve it. It does encourage you to look beyond the individual and consider the external factors that may be contributing to our success or lack thereof. It is a book that will leave you questioning your thought processes and reevaluating what it takes to truly excel. To be honest, I'm kind of split on this book. I like the idea of becoming an expert through time and perseverance but I did not care as much for the victim aspect of the book. The victimhood aspect of the book interferes enough I don’t think I would recommend it. </p><div><br /></div>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com032HHJ9CX+2Q-58.379972599999988 -168.6005119-90 50.774488099999985 -3.6749874933847337 -27.975511899999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-14150009845272763222023-05-08T09:21:00.000-05:002023-05-08T09:21:00.143-05:00Motivation: You Can Make It Through PT School!<p>Physical therapy school can be a challenging and demanding experience. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Staying motivated while in school can be a struggle, but there are some things you can do to keep yourself on track. Here are some tips for staying motivated during physical therapy school:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Set realistic goals: Setting goals for yourself is an excellent way to stay motivated. Be sure to set realistic goals that are achievable. Something that helped me a lot was realizing it’s okay not to get an A. Be okay with getting B’s and C’s.</li><li>Find a support system: It can be helpful to have a support system during physical therapy school. This could include classmates, friends, family, or even a therapist. I’m lucky that my wife was so supportive. </li><li>Take breaks: It's essential to take breaks from studying and schoolwork. Taking some time to exercise. You are going to be a PT. You believe in the power of exercise!</li><li>Stay organized: Staying organized can help you stay on top of your workload and reduce stress. Use a planner (I used a paper calendar but digital works too) to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and test dates.</li><li>Remember why you started: It's easy to lose sight of why you started physical therapy school when you're in the thick of it. Just put your head down and focus on the end goal. </li></ol><p></p><p>In conclusion, staying motivated during physical therapy school can be tough, but you can do it. I struggled through with 3 kids and a wife but I started to embrace the struggle and use it to grow. By setting realistic goals, finding a support system, taking breaks, staying organized, and remembering why you started, you can stay on track and make it through.</p>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-39061485507420771092023-05-01T10:32:00.000-05:002023-05-01T10:32:00.134-05:00Johnny Cash: You Didn't Know His Songs Were For PTs?<p>So recently I have found myself listening to a lot of Johnny Cash. Here are some Johnny Cash songs that I think are great for PTs:</p><p>"I Walk the Line" - This classic hit is all about staying on the straight and narrow, which could be a metaphor for the dedication and discipline required to excel as a physical therapist. Also, think balance exercises. </p><p>"Ring of Fire" - This upbeat song about falling in love could also be interpreted as a metaphor for the passion and enthusiasm that many physical therapists bring to their work.</p><p>"A Boy Named Sue" - This humorous song tells the story of a man who grows up tough because of his unusual name, which could be a reminder of how PTs (and our patients) must develop resilience and perseverance.</p><p>"Man in Black" - This song is a tribute to those who are "fighting back" against weakness and functional deficits. I know it’s a stretch… did you see what I did there. Stretch… ba dum tsh.</p><p>"Get Rhythm" - This lively song is all about finding your groove and keeping things moving, which could be a great motto for physical therapists because we help our patients regain their strength, mobility, and independence.</p><p>No real rhyme or reason for this just for fun… Been listening to a lot of Johnny and thought I would give his songs a little PT twist. </p><p> </p>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-33546007045001316902023-04-24T08:22:00.005-05:002023-04-24T08:22:00.198-05:00Shadowing: An Important Key For PT School Preparation <p>Shadowing a physical therapist is an essential step for anyone considering a career in PT. Here are some reasons why shadowing is so important before applying to PT school:</p><p>Gain real-world experience: Shadowing allows you to observe physical therapists in action and see what their daily work entails. This can give you a better understanding of the profession and help you decide if it's the right career path for you.</p><p>Learn about different specialties: Physical therapy is a broad field with many different specialties. If you can try to shadow in several areas. I wish I would have had more shadowing experience outside of outpatient orthopedics. I had no idea how diverse PT really is.</p><p>Networking opportunities: Shadowing can provide you with the opportunity to meet and network with physical therapists. Seems like a stretch but you never know where you might end up working. I do contract work for a PT I shadowed so I know firsthand that shadowing as a prospective PT student can pay off in the future.</p><p>Letters of recommendation: PT programs require letters of recommendation from physical therapists. This is exactly how I got my letters… I shadowed several PTs and the ones I liked (and they seemed to like me) were the ones I asked for letters from.</p><p>In conclusion, shadowing several PTs is an important step when considering a career in physical therapy. It can provide you with valuable real-world experience. Take advantage of shadowing opportunities whenever you have the chance! </p>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-32832051988486738332023-04-17T08:00:00.010-05:002023-04-17T08:00:00.174-05:00Steps for Acing Your Undergraduate Anatomy Class <p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anatomy and physiology classes can be tough, but they are crucial for anyone aspiring to become a physical therapist. Don’t just go through the motions as an undergrad but try to really internalize the content. Here are some tips to help you not only survive but excel in your anatomy and physiology classes:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Attend every class: It's important to attend every lecture and lab session. This will ensure that you don't miss any important information and that you have a good understanding of the material.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take good notes: Taking good notes is essential in anatomy and physiology classes. Write down key terms, concepts, and definitions. Writting helps with retention! Also, use diagrams and sketches to help you visualize the structures and functions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use study aids: There are many study aids available that can help you learn anatomy and physiology. The things that helped me the most were flashcards and self-made study guides. The fact of the matter is the more time you spend with the material the more likely you are to retain it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Study in groups: Studying in groups can be helpful as you can discuss and compare notes with your peers. This is not my favorite way to study to focus on but it can also help you identify areas where you may be struggling and work together to understand the material better. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use mnemonics: Mnemonics can be helpful but for me if I used this tool too much sometimes the mnemonics would run together. For example, "Oh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel Very Good Velvet AH!" can help you remember the 12 cranial nerves and their functions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Engage in hands-on learning: Engaging in hands-on learning can be helpful in understanding anatomy and physiology. If possible get into a wet lab! Experience with wet lab help me tremendously when I got to PT school.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seek help when needed: If you're struggling with a particular concept or topic, don't be afraid to get help. In my experience professors are not just happy to excited you are taking initiative. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">In conclusion, surviving anatomy and physiology classes requires dedication (time and repetition), hard work, and a willingness to learn. By following these tips, you can improve your chances of acing that undergrad anatomy class.</span></p><div><br /></div>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-1912878370805345162023-04-12T09:00:00.006-05:002023-04-12T09:00:00.186-05:003 Quick Tips For PT School Test Prep <p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are 3 simple tips for preparing for a test in physical therapy school:</span></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-48d7fd3c-7fff-2dd7-8f04-b867f166eae3" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Review your class notes: Take the time to review all the material covered by the teacher. Most of the time teachers lecture more on things they like to test on. Highlight key points in the text. Creating flashcards helped me study all the time. I would pull out and review flash cards every chance I had.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Practice with sample questions: Look for sample questions or practice tests to help you prepare for the exam. These can give you an idea of what types of questions you can expect and help you identify areas where you need more practice.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Get plenty of rest and exercise: Let’s get real your in PT school… you believe exercise is important. As simple as it sounds you should make sure you're getting enough sleep. Exercise and good sleep can help you feel more alert, focused, and confident on test day.</span></p></li></ol></span>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-67567648935913794882023-04-06T23:22:00.005-05:002023-04-08T01:09:47.957-05:005 Simple Ways To Knock Your PT School Interview Out Of The Park <p><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prepping for a PT school interview is a crucial step to ensure you knock the interview out of the park. Here are five ways you can improve your interview skills:</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-36e341f7-7fff-a2a4-5454-6a72983edf48" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Research the school and the program: Familiarize yourself with the PT school you are applying to, its mission, and the program requirements. Read about the faculty, the curriculum, and any special programs or opportunities that the school offers. Having a good understanding of the program will allow you to speak more confidently and demonstrate your interest in the school.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Practice answering common interview questions: Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions, such as why you want to become a physical therapist, how you handle stress, what you bring to the program, and how you would handle challenging situations. When you prepare think of stories from your life. For example, if the question is about handling stress give an example of a time you were under a lot of stress and then tell what you did to handle it. This makes the interview more personal. Don’t forget to practice with a friend or mentor to receive feedback and refine your answers.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dress professionally: Dressing professionally for an interview can help you feel more confident and show that you are serious about the opportunity. Make sure your attire is clean, pressed, and appropriate for the occasion. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Demonstrate your communication skills: Physical therapy is a field that requires excellent communication skills, so it's important to showcase your ability to communicate effectively during the interview. Make sure to speak clearly, listen attentively, and ask thoughtful questions. Practice avoiding um and ah when speaking so you sound more professional. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be yourself: Finally, remember to be yourself during the interview. While it's important to prepare and present yourself professionally, it's equally important to be authentic and genuine. Make sure you share personal experiences and interests, and let your personality come through. This will help you stand out from other candidates.</span></p></li></ol></span>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-66260871938824384812022-11-18T01:08:00.001-06:002022-11-18T01:08:59.300-06:00Market Analysis: Website Comparison <p>So recently I have started doing a market analysis on the local physical therapy clinics in the area. I owned a clinic that was primarily cash pay with a few major insurance contracts but I decided to close my doors when Covid hit. When I closed my doors I started contracting for home health agencies as well as some outpatient facilities.</p><p>This has paid the bills but I want more than that. Working as a contractor I work all the time chasing work. I'm working insane hours and it's just not manageable anymore. So my wife and I have started the process of looking at opening another clinic this time with the intention of being more insurance based.</p><p>As part of the research, we started a market analysis looking at all the local clinics. A good part of our analysis included looking at the online presence of the local clinics. We found several of them had very few reviews. Some of them did not even have websites listed.</p><p>As we started reviewing their websites we found that they are visually unattractive to say the least. Seeing websites that seem to be lacking a level of professionality in pictures and video we've realized we need to invest in this area. </p><p>We've started talking to a local professional photographer we found, Matt Pierce, and his group <a href="https://www.routethreeproductions.com/">Route Three Productions</a>. We started looking at his portfolio online and realized this level of quality would improve a PT website tremendously. </p><p>As things move forward I will plan on putting up the pics on my blog so you can see the level of quality a true professional can bring you. </p><p>In the meantime check out the portfolio we looked at. Here's a link to the portfolio that we looked at that made us realize we need high-quality photos that are being set up by a professional. </p><p><a href="https://www.routethreeproductions.com/portfolio-commercial-photographer-corpus-christi ">https://www.routethreeproductions.com/portfolio-commercial-photographer-corpus-christi </a></p>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-91022078028570312782022-03-08T17:15:00.000-06:002022-03-08T17:15:07.371-06:00Pearl S. Buck: The Good EarthThe Good Earth was so good! It takes place in China and tells the tale of and poor farmer and his rise to wealth. A real rags to riches story but that's not all. After the main character reaches riches and status it continues and shows you becoming rich is not everything. <div><br /></div><div>He goes from a hard-working farmer who is obsessed with buying land and obtaining independence. He gains wealth but life does not necessarily get easier... just more complex. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is well written and makes you want to get back to it. I normally listen to books during my drives from patient to patient and then take a break when I get home but I wanted to keep listening/reading even after I got home.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reading to or listening to something interesting. Drop a line I would love to hear what it is so I can read it too! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-10412729127664884052022-02-26T00:43:00.004-06:002023-05-16T22:52:45.369-05:00Home Health: Book Club<p> Since starting home health I am on the road a lot! Let's just say I'm doing my taxes right now and I did 47k miles last year! So when I say I'm on the road a lot I mean it. At first, I just listened to music but that got old after a while. I started listening to audiobooks. I found I was consuming audiobooks so fast audible just wasn't enough. I went to the local library and got set up with a library card. In my experience in Utah, New Mexico, and Texas you can sign up for whatever digital library service your library contracts with. </p><p>Currently, in Corpus Christi, a library card gives you access to 5 free checkouts per month on Hoopla. It's been great because it's free and there is a decent selection to choose from. I go through those books like it's nobody's business. I figured since I am reading anyways I would start making my thoughts about each book into a blog post. </p><p>Check with your local library and see what access you get to free digital libraries. It sure beats paying for Audible or other similar services. </p><p>If you have read/listened to anything good please comment and let me know so I can enjoy it too! </p><p>Book reviews:</p><p><a href="https://www.creatingapt.com/2021/03/michael-hyatt-your-best-year-ever.html">Micheal Hyatt: Your Best Year Ever</a></p><p><a href="https://www.creatingapt.com/2022/03/pearl-s-buck-good-earth.html">Pearl S. Buck: The Good Earth </a></p><p><a href="https://www.creatingapt.com/2023/05/malcolm-gladwell-outliers.html">Malcolm Gladwell: Outliers </a></p>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-22288937479673240522022-02-23T00:45:00.002-06:002022-02-24T02:15:42.396-06:00What To Do If You Fail A Clinical Or Get Kicked Out Of A Physical Therapy Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="329" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fmiySRri-Kc" width="490" youtube-src-id="fmiySRri-Kc"></iframe></div><br /><p>(Video: Language Warning)</p><p>Here Dr. Brandon Smith, PT, DPT, MPH briefly breaks down 3 different legal cases that involve PT students taking legal action due to a bad internship. He shares his advice if you find yourself in a bad situation. If you find yourself in a bad situation don't just sit back, take action. Stand up for yourself and this video can give you some guidance if you find yourself in a bad situation that may require legal action. </p>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-78900368735867236482022-02-15T15:16:00.003-06:002022-02-23T00:32:12.343-06:00Home Health: How Did I Get Here<p>I was going to be an outpatient PT my whole career. I did 3 out of 4 of my internships in an outpatient setting while in school. I was going to rehab people back to the playing field. I wanted to be the hero in the clinic helping fix back pain and getting that post-op ACL back to their sport. Okay, you get the picture. </p><p>Then things came to a screeching halt. I had opened a hybrid clinic taking some insurance and a fair amount of cash-pay patients. Life was going pretty good then bam... Covid-19 hit. Life was uncertain and nobody knew what was next. After being in business a couple of years at this point I decided to jump ship. So we shut down and contacted an acquaintance in Texas to get a feel for the job outlook in the area. Sometimes I wonder if I made the right move but here I am. I moved from Utah getting an office going to home health in Texas.</p><p>After 2 years of putting my heart and soul into a business, it felt painful to let it go. Time heals wounds. As time goes on I feel it was the right move but at times I long for a clinic. Perhaps someday I'll transition back to a clinic setting but for the time being, home health is what pays the bills. </p><p>The point being life can take us in different directions. Unforeseen circumstances can alter the path of our life and that's okay. God has a plan for all of us so if you find yourself in a setting, location, or career path that you didn't expect it's okay. To go along with this if your try something and fail it's alright. Failure is part of life, it brings pain but also expands our knowledge and helps us grow. </p><p>In the end, am I a failure because I failed? No, I just pick back up and keep moving forward. You can do the same... Don't let past failures dictate your future but use the lessons you learned and get back on your feet.</p><p><br /></p>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-54220067657013011752021-03-31T01:26:00.002-05:002022-02-26T01:01:26.495-06:00Michael Hyatt: Your Best Year Ever<p>Okay, this book was great. As I listened I found myself wanting get started right away applying his ideas. It's a short listen at 4h 33m but he has packed in such good info. The author talks about the several different domains of life which was great because sometimes I tend to focus on career but when evaluating my life I need a lot of work in other areas of life. Honestly the info was not rocket science but it was delivered in a clear concise way. He of course touches on SMART goals but adapts it to SMARTER goals. Read the book to see his adaptation. The audio book was read by the author which is a nice touch.</p><p>I feel like he gives simple ways to start writing and putting goals to action. I do have a couple of small complaints though (which did not stop me from listening to the book twice). At the end he seems to pitch his master class that he teaches in conjunction with the book. This move does make sense given her wrote the book based on his class. I just don't love a book with a pitch at the end but to be fair it was a soft pitch. The other thing I found a little bit lame was the means of meeting his goals. For example he talks about utilizing his secretary to schedule things and prepare things for him i.e. set things up for success. He also talks about some of the automation techniques he uses. These would be of great help to accomplish goals but the caveat is I don't have these resources at my disposal. Regardless of your resources there are no excuses not to go for your goals. Maybe I'm just jealous he has access to resources that are out of my league at this point. Regardless, I did not love those aspects of the book but in the end it is a relatable read. </p><p>He does touch on some of his personal life which I liked and found relatable. At first, as I was listening, I started to think I don't have time for goals and then he mentioned he has 5 kids and I realized I was making excuses. I have 5 kids when he mentioned this it resonated with me giving me a sense of self-efficacy. </p><p>If you are looking for a book that encourages not only goal writing but pushing you out of your comfort zone, this book is great. It's well rounded not just focusing on your career but talks about setting goals in all aspects of life. </p><p>Have you read this book? If so, let me know what you thought.</p><p>Haven't read it? Here is an affiliate link to check it out. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801075254/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=creatingapt-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0801075254&linkId=181c99ecbc3239549346d98177c8de45">Michael Hyatt: Your Best Year Ever </a></p><p>Have any book suggestions? I would love to hear what you have enjoyed reading so I can read it too. </p>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-86307434096647030942021-03-24T23:40:00.005-05:002021-03-31T01:04:33.598-05:00Almost 5 Years Later: My Loan Is Still HUGEI've been a PT almost 5 years now... The time has gone fast and life has taken me on a journey. I graduated, got a job, and worked hard. I paid extra on my loans for 2 years then I made the bold move of working for myself! I opened a small PT office in the town I grew up in. Things were going okay (not amazing but I was able to cover the basics and I continued to make minimum loan payments. Then Covid hit like an unexpected snowball to the face. Patients cancelled therapy and there were no new patients. The rug got pulled out from under me! <div><br /></div><div>So I closed up shop and took a 1099 (contract job) upwards of 1600 miles from where I was. The money was good and the thought of making some extra payments on my loan was enticing. At this point I have been doing this contract work for 6 months and starting to chip away at my loan with small extra payments. </div><div><br /></div><div>I used to have the mentality that I can't do anything until my loan is paid off but at the moment I have come to terms that I will just keep chipping away a little bit at a time and keep living live. This doesn't mean that every once in a while I don't freak out about the sum but for the most part I just try to forget about it and just understand it is part of my budget for the foreseeable future. It's not really how I thought things would go but plans change.</div><div><br /></div><div>If I allow the loan to paralyze me with fear and anxiety that I am chained to it for years and years to come. The fact of the matter is for now I am tied to the loan but I have to live life. I have a family to raise. Having 5 kids and a wife I just can't say sorry family we are going to move to a one room studio apartment for years to come so I can pay down my loan. So I will continue to budget and pay down the loan as best I can. I surely will shave some time off but I guess I am not going to be the story you see on Yahoo! News about getting my loan paid off in an incredible period of time. I can only imagine what the headline would say if an article was written about me... Guy Pays Off 185K In 27 Years: How He Did It. </div><div><br /></div><div>When it comes down to paying down your loans find a plan that is realistic and stick to that plan. We'll make it through the next couple of decades together. </div><div><br /></div><div>Join the journey with me! Leave a comment and let me know where you're at in the process. </div>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-72965600009608040692021-01-10T16:03:00.002-06:002021-01-10T16:03:38.218-06:00Dear CI: Please Be A Mentor Going through PT school was tough to say the least. Entering the clinic to start applying what classes can only talk about is like a dream come true. It seems so wonderful but then you find out you CI does not like you... This was my reality. I had a CI try to get me kicked out of PT school!<br />
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Because of my experience this is my letter to that CI.<br />
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Dear CI,<br />
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Thank you for your willingness to accept a student and to trust me with some of your patients. I know how important it is to you to get your patients better. I am so grateful for this opportunity. While I am very grateful for your willingness to take me I need more than just that. I need you to have a little patience with me, I am not a perfect clinician but then again nobody is. I will make mistakes and I need your feedback in order to learn but please do not grill me in front of patients. Coming out of school I am going to be by the book because that exactly where I have learned to be a PT, the books. There is a chance I'll put a gait belt on someone who doesn't really need one but I'm just trying to be safe. Instead of focusing on my weaknesses coach me to make those weaknesses strengths. I know you are not required to go out of your way to help me but I plead with you to be an advocate for me, show me your style but let me find my own style too. Remember what it was like to be a student even if it was 30 years ago. Please do not tell me you had it worse back then because of one reason or another. Validate how hard school is and contribute to my education. Essentially, I ask you to be a mentor. Be someone I could call down the road and ask questions. Be someone I could seek advice from because that will help me more than anything. The way you talk to me can destroy my self confidence and can tear me down in general. In closing don't go through the motions but instead please help me to be a better clinician.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
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Your student Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-67805614739992546342020-12-30T23:45:00.000-06:002020-12-31T00:25:14.455-06:00Covid: Clinic Crisis<p>Covid-19 has not been easy on most (unless you are in the business of making masks or brewing hand sanitizer). I have been trying my hand at a running a hybrid clinic. Mostly cash pay accepting a few insurances. Things seemed to be on the up and up in February of this year. </p><p>It seemed like I was starting to make a little bit of money then things slowed down through March and April. In May things came to a screeching halt. My wife and I had some money tucked away but we are not independently wealthy by any means. We were losing money and panicking (if it was just my wife and I perhaps we would not have been panicking so badly but we have a troop of kiddos that depend on us... we have 5 kids!) </p><p>Our business was bleeding money and after just 18 months the PT office was fragile. We started to scramble and began reaching out to past connections and God guided us to a past acquaintance. He was running a home health operation and they stayed busy through Covid thus far. </p><p>I opted for a trial run. So I got a compact license for Texas and I left my wife and kids for a few weeks. I stayed busy seeing patients and called my wife and told her to start packing. We were in for a 1500 mile move. It seems nuts but this acquaintance was willing to pay us 100% of what he made off my visits as a 1099. In a matter a couple of months I went from building a hybrid clinic to hitting home health hard. </p><p>Talk about a trying year. I was so sad to see our clinic go and honestly a little part of me hopes I can try it again in the future. Fortunately I was leasing a small office and had been there long enough my lease was month to month. I am still tying up the loose ends of closing down as I have had to try to learn all the nuances of home health. </p><p>Never in a million years did I think I would be doing what I am doing now but that is just how the journey goes sometimes. We all have different paths as we are trying to create our best selves. </p><p>I have been so busy in the recent past I have not had time to keep up with this blog (which is just a fun little hobby) but with this new found path I have a little more time. I'm hoping to stay a little more in touch. Also, I'm not the most poetic writer, my apologizes. </p><p>I would love to hear where you're at in your journey as a PT or pre-PT. Has Covid thrown you for a loop like me? or perhaps nothing has changed for you. Comment... I would love to know what this past year has brought you. </p><p>Looking forward to interacting with you.</p><p>Dalin Hansen, PT, DPT </p>Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-47380130179704229412019-10-14T13:38:00.002-05:002023-04-08T02:02:30.027-05:00I Don’t Think That’s Going To Happen<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“You’re school wants you to make the advanced intermediate mark on CPI within 8 weeks? Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to happen”. Those were some of the first words my CI spoke to me on my first day of one of my final clinical. I had simply spent the day in orientation, and she had not even seen me work with a patient yet. Little did I know that that this comment was only the beginning. From that day on, I felt like I was climbing a never-ending uphill battle. I would show up prepared, connect with my patients and see improvements, yet my CI would spend each day scowling at my treatment plans, and belittling me every chance she had. At one point she even scolded me for my shoelace coming untied during gait training and stated “ THAT’S why I triple knot MY shoes. To make sure MY patients are safe.” </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While I feel like she did not necessarily do these things are of true malicious intent, I do not think she had the self-awareness to recognize just how abrasive and hostile she was being. Rather than taking the time to truly teach me and help me work on different areas, she instead felt it was her job to watch for me to do something that was even slightly different than how she would and attack me for it. It got so bad to the point that other students in our unit spoke with me about it and how they had considered speaking to their schools about how I was being treated by this CI. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking back on the situation, I know that part of it was her general demeanor and her chosen way of communication. She had a very abrasive personality and oftentimes would be very strict and harsh with patients and coworkers. On top of that, it was a very unhealthy work environment overall. Therapists would talk poorly about each other when one was gone, and oftentimes you could hear whispering between CIs which caused the students in the unit to assume they were talking about us. It got to the point where I began to struggle with anxiety issues, those of which I had never experienced prior.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With so much pressure and being treated this way day in and day out, I definitely struggled. I felt like more of my day was trying to do everything how she would do it rather than actually learning and figuring out what was best for how I should treat my patients. And, of course, I was worried about passing especially since she had essentially told me since day one that I wouldn’t make the mark. Thankfully, I had a great school that keeps up with their students on clinical rotations. I made sure to document her comments and emailed in with specific examples of how I was being treated. Eventually, my school asked to do weekly phone calls which helped me to make sure my side of the story was heard. I would give my school examples of what was being said and how I would respond in different situations. This helped my anxiety a lot knowing that at least my school knew exactly what was going on and that they were willing to hear how I was responding. I also tried not to take how she was treating me personally. Easier said than done, but I found that going home each night and reflecting and writing down the different pieces of criticism and coming up with ways to incorporate changes into my following treatment sessions helped me separate the feedback from the attitude and discountenance that it was presented with.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When it comes to being in these types of uncomfortable situations, it can be easy to become overwhelmed with feelings of uncertainty, worthlessness, and fear. If you are a student going through this, or fearful of what future clinicals may bring, it is important to know you are not alone in that and that you have resources available to you. I felt so much support from my school and my friends and had to choose daily to be proactive rather than reactive to how I was being treated. It is easy to want to shut down because of the way you are being treated, but know you have the ability to make it through. Choose each day to be as prepared as you can for each patient, take criticism with grace and professionalism, and reach out when you need support. You have made it to this point and continuing through these moments of adversity with grace and choosing to find ways to learn from it can help it become a time of empowerment and growth rather than defeat. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As for my story, I made it through. My school’s involvement was incredible, and they helped give me the support I needed. My final clinical following this one was a great reminder of how there are fantastic CIs also out there in the world. I was reminded of why I became a PT in the first place and was able to grow my confidence and diminish a lot of fears I had established during the prior clinical. Now I am officially graduated, passed boards and about to start my career as a travel PT on Monday! I even had the opportunity to be a teacher’s assistant for my program’s summer course after graduation and loved every moment of working with the students. I found myself pulling a lot of what I learned during this difficult clinical and treated the students I was teaching with respect, kindness, giving feedback in a way that empowered and challenged them rather than belittling them. I hope to one day have a larger role in education and plan to work towards that goal by first becoming a CI. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you need advice or just some encouragement, please feel to reach out. I am passionate about helping students feel empowered despite difficult situations and ready to tackle the next challenge ahead. You can reach me via Facebook at (</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rachel.white.9655" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.facebook.com/rachel.white.9655</span></a><span style="color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) or via Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelroamingdpt/">@rachelroamingdpt</a>).</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All my best,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dr. Rachel White, PT, DPT </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to give a huge shout out to Dr. Rachel White for sharing her experience. She overcame a bad situation and has come out on top. She is now a full-on PT and following her dreams. If you need someone to talk with for support in a bad clinical rotation feel free to reach out to me or Dr. Rachel White. She has some great insights and would be an awesome person to help you make it through. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Dr. Dalin Hansen, PT, DPT </span></div>
Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-91745867437146059392019-10-10T15:15:00.004-05:002023-04-08T02:09:30.790-05:00CI From Hell: You're Not AloneAlright, I had no idea what kind of response I would get but it was crazy! I posted on Facebook a quick question including a little info about my experience with a terrible CI (clinical instructor). I thought at the time there must be something wrong with me. I thought I was the only one to have such a bad experience.<br />
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After 48 hours this was the response!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs64y1suOO2ItWbUmd3vjY6SFnxty-YlAz_ZmgbrMasFAAQ1IEEOx6og3Q0KQM3jOnADJaeF7DQ9fxb-KUZ8lutrzD4Qr_IppNqkzT3CZpLyVXvf-BsvB1oMF8TAI9q1uhUJdLIe1hU0/s1600/FB.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs64y1suOO2ItWbUmd3vjY6SFnxty-YlAz_ZmgbrMasFAAQ1IEEOx6og3Q0KQM3jOnADJaeF7DQ9fxb-KUZ8lutrzD4Qr_IppNqkzT3CZpLyVXvf-BsvB1oMF8TAI9q1uhUJdLIe1hU0/s400/FB.png" width="400" /></a><br />
I know it doesn't look like much but when you take a closer look we have 335 comments. People who went through similar experiences. PT students who suffered through their internships with terrible CIs.<br />
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To me, this was eye-opening. A lot of the stories are very similar. The CI is very oppressive and belittling. Some are verbally abusive and use their students as slave labor.<br />
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Another common thread is that PT students are scared. They fear being failed. They fear being held back. They fear the thought of spending thousands extra because some CI somewhere who just met them is on a power trip and fails them.<br />
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If you are having a bad internship experience it's important to know you are not alone. Many of us have suffered and come out on top. Know that one CI's subjective opinion of you does not determine your future or your worth.<br />
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If you would like help or advice feel free to reach out. I would love to help if I can, even if it is just to encourage you. You can reach out via Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dalin.hansen">https://www.facebook.com/dalin.hansen</a>) or Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/dpt_usa">https://twitter.com/dpt_usa</a>)<br />
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Good luck!<br />
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Dr. Dalin Hansen, PT, DPT<br /><br />
Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-23043628374978623522019-06-12T19:54:00.003-05:002019-06-12T19:54:51.319-05:00Creating a PT Clinic: Is It Worth It? My time has been pretty much dedicated to getting a clinic up and running so I have neglected this blog but wanted to report I am continuing to create a PT in myself. I am continuing to grow and push myself as a PT to make myself a better person.<br />
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Here is a vlog update on whether or not opening a clinic has been worth it.<br />
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<br />Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-65471610136141197612018-10-30T13:50:00.001-05:002018-10-30T13:50:41.617-05:00Experiences: By Cash PT Dr. Bobby Prengle, PT, DPT, CSCSHuge thanks to Dr. Bobby Prengle! He has some great insights and advice. Read on to find out what he has to share. <br /><br />
<ul>
<li>Who are you and why did you go into PT?</li>
</ul>
<br /> My name is Bobby Prengle, PT, DPT, CSCS. I recently graduated from PT school at Duke University and did a year-long Orthopedic Residency at the Brooks Institute of Higher Learning in Jacksonville, FL. I currently work for Par4Success in Raleigh, NC. I went into PT because I was your typical "always hurt" athlete in high school. I played four sports and spent just as much time rehabbing various injuries at almost every joint in my body as I did playing those sports. My goal is to change the way we work with athletes of all ages so that they stay healthy and working towards their goals, not spending time getting back to their baseline function. Kids and adults are facing serious challenges to staying healthy and active these days, and it's our job as sports physical therapists to promote an active lifestyle. I also love both the challenge and the opportunity in the current PT/healthcare landscape!<br /><br />
<ul>
<li>What has been the biggest challenge going from school to the clinic? </li>
</ul>
<br /> There have been tons of challenges. The first was clinically - I can vividly remember the first times I had to do PROM on a fresh post-op shoulder, and my first time for many special tests like Sharp-Purser. The training wheels really do come off! Residency gave me a perfect transition from being a student to becoming a higher-level thinker - the training wheels were off, so to say, but I had a team of experienced and high-level clinicians guiding me through that first year. The second, now in my transition into a cash-based practice, is trying to draw on limited experience to really provide top-notch care. Again, I have a wonderful team around me that provides further mentorship so that I can keep growing and learning. There's also a LOT of business/marketing/strategy that is not taught in PT school. There's a lot of trial by error in those departments!<br /><br />
<ul>
<li>What type of setting are you in and what is a typical day for you?</li>
</ul>
<br /> We are a cash-based physical therapy and sports performance clinic with a focus on golf performance. We currently have 2 locations - a privately owned gym and a satellite clinic at a country club that I am heading up. There is no typical day right now when trying to grow a business! Some days, I see clients throughout the morning at either location, all one-on-one care, and am busy coaching our junior or adult performance classes in the evenings. There are lots of meetings and planning sessions. We run events such as pop-up clinics at Orange Theory Fitness locations, driving range events, and even started a podcast! I also sometimes have meetings with local golf pros to talk about clients that work with both of us. We are also busy with multiple research projects going on right now, and I have taken the role of Data Miner and Organizer for both of those projects! So, nothing typical, always an adventure, and I am constantly changing out which hat I wear.<br /><br />
<ul>
<li>What are your tips and tricks for expanding the golf/fitness end of the clinic? </li>
</ul>
<br /> The biggest tip is to show someone your value to them as a golfer by finding out what matters most to that person. Some people hate that their back constantly hurts while they play - we can certainly help with that! Some people really don't care that they have to take 3-4 Advil during a round, they're just mad that they can't hit the ball as far as they used to. Again, there are tons of ways we as PT's can help you hit the ball further. If your hip only internally rotates 15 degrees (which is fairly common!), you won't swing very fast. If I can get you 30 or even 45 degrees, that completely changes things, and golfers can feel the difference on the range. That will probably make your back feel better too. So, it's really about having a big toolbox available to you so you can reach people where they are. Golfers are a competitive bunch - if you can show them just how much you can help, they'll certainly buy in. You also definitely need to know the difference between a 4 iron (ball goes further!) and a 9 iron (ball doesn't go as far), and recognizing a slice vs. a pull or hook is helpful as well. Watch a few tournament highlights and know who your clients' favorite golfers are! This is a super easy group to have a conversation with during a session. <br /><br />
<ul>
<li>What are your goals for the future and what will you do to achieve these goals? </li>
</ul>
<br /> We have some pretty serious expansion goals in the future! Short-term, I would certainly love to expand the satellite clinic and build it up so much that we need to hire another PT. We're working on tons of different fronts to build it up - events, the podcast, pop-up clinics, and presentations for other local fitness communities. One of our main goals is to become leaders in the push towards reinventing healthcare, especially for physical therapy. Connecting with, supporting, and networking with other cash-based PT's is a great way to achieve this.<br /><br />
<ul>
<li>What is your advice for pre-PT, SPT, staff PTs, aspiring clinic owners, or current clinic owners? </li>
</ul>
<br /> Especially for the SPT's and the pre-PT's - have a goal, but be flexible. I knew before even going to college that I wanted to work with athletes, but by being flexible and open to trying new things, I landed at Par4Success, which couldn't be a better fit. Don't be afraid to walk a slightly different path, but always be moving forward! Reach out to local business owners for shadowing opportunities, talk to your local alumni from your PT program about ways to get involved, and really go after unique experiences you can find. As a student, you're certainly not expected to have all the answers right away, but always be seeking to find them! Furthermore, this generation of therapists has a unique challenge when it comes to advocating for our profession. You can get involved with your local, state and national association, but you can also advocate by being a powerful voice in your local community. We offer so much to patients, and we can help so many people out there! It's important to get the word out about what we do so we can help as many people as possible.<br /><br /><br />Thanks Again to Dr. Bobby Prengle for his awesome words of wisdom. For more insights and advice from real-world PTs check out the <a href="http://www.creatingapt.com/p/experience-series.html">Experience Series</a>. Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-34243626337081863712018-09-28T14:41:00.001-05:002019-10-11T13:59:12.361-05:00From Pre-PT -> SPT -> DPT -> Clinic Owner Over the past decade, life has presented challenges. I just want to briefly go through some of the ups and downs throughout my journey.<br />
<br />
First, I decided to get into PT school so I started doing my pre-requisites. I had some good grades and some okay grades. When I got a C in physics I was devastated! but I retook it and got an A!<br />
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Second, going through the process of PTCAS was exciting and scary. I was determined to get in and applied to 14 schools. I ended up being waitlisted at 3 schools and ultimately I was rejected! It was so painful.<br />
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Third, after feeling like a complete failure and being rejected I decided to try again. I filled out PTCAS again with the encouragement of my wife I applied again. This time I was much more refined in my selection of schools and only applied to 3 schools<br />
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Fourth, an email came I got in! I was accepted to PT school at the University of St. Augustine. I thought the hard part was over... getting into PT school but after PT school started I realized I the hard part was only getting started.<br />
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Fifth, getting through PT school was a total struggle! I felt like I crawled across the finish line. I graduate and much to my surprise I was awarded the Outstanding Physical Therapy Student Award at graduation.<br />
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Sixth, working as a PT was such fun but I soon felt like it was all about money. My boss would say "every time someone walks through that door imagine they have a 100 dollar bill taped on their forehead." I loved working with people but I wanted more than just working for a boss that looks at patients as dollar bills. I want to help people!<br />
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Seventh, enough was enough and I decided to quit my corporate job and start a clinic! This has been a scary and fun process. I just opened about 8 weeks ago and I have seen a handful of patients. It is scary but I feel like with time I can get this clinic going.<br />
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All in all, this journey had been scary and fun. If you are a Pre-PT, an SPT, a DPT or a clinic owner I would love to connect and network with you. If you are reading this leave a comment so we can connect/network. I would love to hear your story.<br />
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If you feel like you have a story that would be beneficial to others I would love to put it up on this blog so reach out!<br />
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Thanks,<br />
<br />
Dr. Dalin Hansen, PT, DPT<br />
d.hansen@empowerutahpt.com<br />
www.empowerutahpt.com <br />
<br />
<br />Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-39670715486004308792018-08-15T17:40:00.001-05:002018-08-15T17:40:24.393-05:00High Road: Empower Utah Physical Therapy As I have thought about why I wanted to start a clinic there are some many reasons but it boils down to just a few things. I'll expound:<br />
<br />
1. Corporate PT wants you to bill as many high paying units as possible and they will mask it by saying "it's what is best for the patient"<br />
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2. PT's are highly educated and are capable of providing a plethora of help for people but corporate PT wants you just sign evals. Community health and wellness services could be <i>revolutionized</i> by movement/exercises experts corporate PT makes us too busy signing herding people in and out.<br />
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3. Autonomy to give the patient what is best. Corporate PT wants you to see people 2-3 times a week for several weeks but good PT in my book is <i>empowering</i> people to manage their conditions independently. So, in essence, I want to see people less often and <i>facilitate</i> independence.<br />
<br />
So far opening a clinic has been fun (11 days in now). It is also scary! Very very scary because I look at my schedule and it is pretty empty but I feel if I am good to my patients they will be good to me (and send their friends to me, I hope)<br />
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In the end, at <a href="http://www.empowerutahpt.com/">Empower Utah Physical Therapy</a> I just want to give people what is very best for them.<br />
<br />
Dr. Dalin Hansen, PT, DPT<br />
385.985.7499<br />
d.hansen@empowerutahpt.com Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-44701726530547671032018-08-09T18:15:00.001-05:002018-08-09T18:15:36.020-05:00Still Creating A PT: Opening A ClinicI've been out of school for 2 years now! It has gone by so quickly. Some might say mission accomplished you're a PT now... but it just does not work that way for me.<br />
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As I was working at a corporate PT job I felt like I was growing complacent seeing patients 2 at a time. I felt like I could help people more. So what was I supposed to do?<br />
<br />
Get another job... well not exactly. I got another job but that other job is a whole new adventure because my wife and I moved 1000 miles to open Empower Utah PT.<br />
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Yeah! We decided the best way to push ourselves was to open a clinic. So here I am sitting in a tiny one-room office having only seen 3 patients my first 3 days.<br />
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Is it scary you ask? Well of course! I'm scared to death this thing won't take off but on the other hand, it is exhilarating.<br />
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If you are thinking about opening a clinic hit me up I would love to talk strategy or marketing! <br />
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A little further info: I'm an LLC with no insurance contracts only taking cash/card payment. I am working solo (with some help from my wife from an admin standpoint).<br />
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Again if you are thinking about doing it text or email... I'd love to chat!<br />
<br />
Dr. Dalin Hansen, PT, DPT<br />
d.hansen@empowerutahpt.com<br />
385.985.7499 Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100334021693898389.post-56138933561421875672018-01-16T22:00:00.000-06:002018-06-06T22:57:27.467-05:00Pre-PT Interview Stress: Part II<style>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Critical feedback was painful in my first meeting with my interview
coach. He counted each and every one of my um’s and ah’s, pauses, stutters, and
bad answers. The was no sugar coating and ultimately, he told me I needed a lot
of work. I took his advice to heart and practiced on my own time over the next
couple of weeks. I interview myself in the bathroom mirror. When my follow up
session I walked in and he was impressed with my appearance commenting that I
even carried myself with more confidence. He as question after question with
tough questions and I came right back at him. I had taken his tips to heart and
refined my skills. I gave heartfelt answers about real life experiences. Not
just your typical I had an injury and I did PT and it helped so now I want to
be a PT. With personal experiences, I was able to win him over. After 30
minutes of tough to answer questions he announced to me that a grad school
would be nuts not to take me. I walked out 2 inches taller that day. Shortly thereafter
the invite came. I accepted the interview with excitement and let my interview
coach know that I had received an interview. We met for one more short session just
to fine tune and then off to Austin, Tx. With a fresh haircut, a pressed suit,
and refined interview skills I was ready for the challenge. They called a group
of 4 applicants into an interview and started asking questions. The interview
went as smooth as butter. I felt confident I was doing well. After exiting the interview
the other 3 applicants started asking me how I know what they were going to
ask. I didn’t know what they were going to ask but came prepared. I just told
them about my practice and preparations and all 3 of them praised me for
knocking it out of the park. After going home, I knew I had done everything I
could to get accepted. A couple of long weeks later anticipating the news I
finally received a letter informing me I had been accepted into a DPT program.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are looking to prepare for an interview for a DPT or
PTA program check out some of my previous post below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.creatingapt.com/2018/01/pre-pt-interview-stress-part-i.html">Pre-PT Interview Stress: Part I</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.creatingapt.com/2014/07/interview-day.html">Interview day</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.creatingapt.com/2014/08/additional-interview-questions.html">Additional Interview Questions</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.creatingapt.com/2014/07/interview-prep.html"> Interview Prep </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are trying to get into PT school I would love to hear from you! Find me via:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Email: <a href="mailto:dalinhansen@gmail.com">dalinhansen@gmail.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/dpt_usa">@DPT_USA</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dalinhansenpt/">Dalin Hansen</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are looking to take your interview skills to the next
level contact me for a one on one interview with me for critiques and advice. Email me at <a href="mailto:dalinhansen@gmail.com">dalinhansen@gmail.com</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">20 minute one on one interview session for $35 via Venmo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are not happy with the interview prep session just email me and I'll give you 100% refund. </span></div>
Dalin Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557131077330192043noreply@blogger.com0