Michael Kuegler/Bayside PT

I served an internship this summer through the Calvert Public Schools. I shadowed at The Bayside Physical Therapy Organization. I specifically shadowed Michael Kuegler. I learned a lot of exercises as they relate to specific injuries. I also learned how to deal with different types of patients. I got the opportunity to work with patients of a variety of ages. It was interesting to be working with a ten-year old while thirty minutes later walked in an eighty-five-year-old with very different needs. Personally, I felt like this internship was on the boring side, because I had little access and I felt like I would get in people's way in such a small room. For legal reasons I was not able to be hands on with the patients. However, this experience didn’t change my mind about pursuing a degree in physical therapy. I gained an understanding of the job responsibilities and challenges through observation. I know, come the real world, I will have the freedom and expertise to do something instead of awkwardly sitting in the corner watching. I've been to many physical therapist offices for my own athletic injuries and they differ in the size, equipment, therapist perspectives and patient base. The size of this office taught me how to cooperate in such a small space. Dr Kuegler also meets his patients at the pool to perform therapy and I would like to find an opportunity to observe this as well. I am still interested in Physical Therapy and look forward to being able to make a positive impact in the lives of my future patients.