Physical Professionalism: Personality And Altruism In Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is not for just anyone. It takes a certain personality and demeanor in order to be a successful Physical Therapist. One word that can encompass the personality and demeanor of a Physical Therapist is professionalism. Professionalism in Physical Therapy takes accountability, altruism, integrity, compassion, excellence, and social responsibility. A student in a doctor of physical therapist degree program must be able to show and practice these values as well. The students must strive to be just like a doctor of Physical Therapy not only just in their studies, but in their values as well.
The first part of being professional in physical therapy is by being accountable. There are many roles, duties, and obligations that are expected

A Physical Therapist must be selfless when it comes to caring for patients and interacting with staff and other health care professionals. Altruism is commonly defined as placing someone else’s needs before their own needs or desires. This value is very important when it comes to physical therapy since the physical therapist is ultimately working to serve others. This is seen in physical therapy when the therapist puts the patients’ needs and care before his or her own needs. Also, when providing physical therapy services to undeserved and underrepresented populations. Even when it comes to sharing one’s knowledge with others, an altruistic physical therapist is quick to share the knowledge gained in order for the betterment of the career. Students must work to bettering those around them and putting patients’ and authority

Compassion is the desire or want to be able to understand how someone is feeling which develops into caring for that person. Caring is the actual concern and ability to empathize with a patient. The ability to empathize with others in not a gift everyone has, so it is easy to see why it takes a certain person to be a successful Physical Therapist. To show compassion, and then to ultimately care for a patient is a big key value to professionalism in Physical Therapy. Students must be able to relate with patients and have compassion in order to be a successful