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RE: Discouraged due to internet research and forums
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RE: Discouraged due to internet research and forums - November 9, 2007 6:02:18 PM
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aph401
Posts: 82
Joined: April 16, 2007
Status: offline
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quote:
Why did you select a DPT vs. MSPT program in the first place?
Hi and thank you very much for your insight. To answer your question, I chose the DPT because that is what's offered at my school, and I'm not currently in the position to be able to move. I did my undergrad at this school, it's close to home, and has a great reputation for medicine and allied health. Also, there is some financial benefit in terms of tuition for having completed my undergrad at the same school. But again, mainly, I can't move right now. Plus, if the profession is moving towards the DPT, I see no reason whatsoever to go out of my way to get a masters at this point when the programs are being phased out. If I'm going to invest the time and money, I want "the latest"... plus, the program was only extended by less than 6 months from the master's program, so the tuition would've been close. I didn't take out loans during undergrad, because thankfully, my parents payed for it. Grad school will put me at graduating with $30k in loans.. not sure how good or bad that is in comparison with other people on this forum. I know I could buy a nice car with it though :)
Anyway, I appreciate the advice from everyone. I guess I've just been getting down on myself lately because everyone seems to be putting down the profession.. including people in the profession. But I guess with anything, there comes a point where you just have to do it and see how it works out.
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RE: Discouraged due to internet research and forums - November 9, 2007 6:03:15 PM
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aph401
Posts: 82
Joined: April 16, 2007
Status: offline
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Alex -
I'm assuming one would have to enlist and go through basic training in order to do this, right?
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RE: Discouraged due to internet research and forums - November 9, 2007 8:25:52 PM
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pappawheelie
Posts: 40
Joined: September 19, 2007
From: Vermont
Status: offline
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aph401-just so you know, my supervisor laughed and told me he did not know a PT that didn't want to quit and become a plummer after their first two years--that's after I told him, in a fit of frustration, that I was ready to quit. He's also the person who told me that PT is 40% science and 60% art. I liked that part, and remembered that was why I wanted to be a physical therapist in the first place: to blend science with the art of healing. Turns out though, that the art of healing is pretty contentious.
It didn't take long to realize that PT was embroiled in a struggle to validate its practice, mostly to 3rd party payors. Unfortunately, the studies that stuck out in my mind were the ones that questioned the efficacy of certain interventions. Not only that, but nobody could agree on the best way to treat...LBP. A lot of the studies end with "more studies in this area are needed". So early in my career, I'm thinking "damn, what DOES work? (besides the therapeutic effects of exercise). After I graduate, get my certification in manual therapy, the next issue of PT magazine has an article questioning the validity of lumbar coupling. Enter this forum, and I get the gist that assessing passive intervertebral motion is unreliable. Now add to the mix the patients in my case load that are not improving. Sound frustrating?
Yeah, so now I'm wondering WHAT DO WE REALLY KNOW? Meanwhile, some massage therapists in the area bring in $120 per session and they are booked. There are accupuncturists, chiropractors, neuromuscular therapists(those are my favorite), reiki masters, yoga therapist, whatever. And I'm asking myself, what doesn't PT offer that so many other people are willing to pay, out of pocket, to go see? It's a loaded question, no doubt.
Bottom line, I find myself constantly evaluating what I know and how to apply it, hoping that people will improve and referr their friends (and they do). The issues that surround the profession are challenging and wearisome, but at the end of the day am I glad I went to PT school? You bet. I love what I do...most days.
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RE: Discouraged due to internet research and forums - November 9, 2007 10:55:46 PM
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Tom Reeves DPT ATC
Posts: 449
Joined: March 14, 2006
Status: offline
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I see the problem like this.
One, we are in the medical field where MTs are sort of outside that and morphing into the feelgood field like a spa or manicurist so people will pay for that but feel like health care should be free because they have insurance or that they have a right to it for free if they don't have insurance.
Two, we typically charge waaaaay more than $120. My department typically doesn't but how much is the charge for one PT eval, 15 min of ther ex, 15 of joint mobilization, electrical stim or ultrasound? I am guessing way more than $120. The patient feels good immediately and comes back for more.
Obviously, I think we offer way more and should be paid way more but the difference is why they will pay out of pocket for massage but not for solutions. Also, it is passive and people don't really have to do anything to feel better. Its usually not that way with us.
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