CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN PHYSICAL THERAPY

ENTRY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS CLASS OF 2020

Advisees Name: Elizabeth Osantowski Interview Date: July 6th, 2017

Advisor/Interviewer: Paul Sung

1. ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF?

Biography of myself: My name is Elizabeth, but I prefer to be called Liz. I'm 23 years old and I'm from Ann Arbor,
Michigan. I went to Washtenaw Community College for my first two years of college and obtained my associate's
degree. Then, I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Toledo, where I was involved with my sorority,
Chi Omega and it's philanthropy, Make-A-Wish. After graduation, I became a rehabilitation technician for ATI
Physical Therapy in Milford. I have a big family in the thumb area, so I really enjoy hanging out with friends and
family. I love going to country concerts, traveling to new places, playing volleyball, crafting, and I love dogs!!

I am looking forward to going on the trip to Ireland.

I want to specialize in Pediatrics, but I am open to learn ALL types of physical therapy.

2. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A PT? WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE PROFESSION?

I decided to become a PT because of my passion for the field. I love learning about the human body. I think it is so
fascinating to learn how the body works and what is happening in our body that people do not even acknowledge
daily. I love learning the unknown that people take for granted. Another reason I chose to become a PT is to make
an impact on the world and people, starting with one patient at a time. I think that by aiding in the recovery process of
an individual and making an impact in their life, my life and career have a purpose.

The profession attracted me with the variety of specialties that it offers, specifically, pediatrics.

3. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS/HOPES FOR YOUR LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN THE

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM?

My expectations/hopes for my learning experiences in the program are to have classmates and staff that I can rely on
for help and feel comfortable asking for them for help. I will not be able to succeed on my own and hope my
classmates and professors will be open to helping each other succeed.

4. HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR PT PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION WILL BE THE SAME AS OR

DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES?

I think the PT education will be similar to my undergrad education in the sense that it is hard and requires a lot of
work. I think the PT education differs from undergrad because it requires more work, more hours, and more time
management skills. Additionally, I think the PT education differs from undergrad education because we are learning
what we will be doing for our careers versus taking general education classes in undergrad.
5. HOW DO YOU FEEL YOU LEARN BEST? WHAT FACILITATES YOUR LEARNING?

I think taking my time to learn the material on my own, asking questions when I dont understand something, and re-
writing things several times/ re-listening to lectures help facilitate my learning. Sometimes, working in groups is
beneficial to learn others perspectives too.

6. WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND INHIBITS OR CONSTRAINS YOUR LEARNING?

I think it inhibits my learning when things are thrown at me all at once. I do not tend to grasp the material necessary
because it becomes too overwhelming and feel rushed to get everything done. I need to go slow and have a lot of time
to learn things.

7. WHAT STRENGTHS OR SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS DO YOU THINK YOU BRING TO THE PT

PROGRAM AND PROFESSION?

o My personal drive, dedication, and passion to achieve greatness

o My interest to specialize
o Being a people person
o Good communication skills
o Trustworthy
o Honest
o Hard-working

8. WHAT AREAS WOULD YOU LIKE TO GROW OR IMPROVE IN DURING THE TIME YOU ARE
COMPLETING THE PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM?

I would like to grow and improve as a professional worker. I would like to continue to improve my communications
skills to others, I want to learn to accept constructive criticism instead of taking it personally, and I want to become
more confident in the decisions I make and personally, in my own skin.

9. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR SHORT-TERM (1-2 YEARS) PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
GOALS?

My short-term professional goal is to learn to better time management skills and go on the trip to Ireland.
My short-term personal goal is to become a better test taker/gain confidence, to see my family a little more often, to
become more fit, and to learn how to cook.

10. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR LONG-TERM (3-6 YEARS) PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
GOALS?

My long-term professional goals would be to graduate from the program, become licensed, specialize in pediatrics,
and start working as a PT.
My long-term personal goals would be to get a place on my own, get a dog, buy a new car, start paying on my loans,
and to find time to travel the world.