
Well-Being: Your Career Depends on It
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Being an expert in physical therapy is not enough to enjoy a long, successful, and satisfying career. Physical therapists face numerous obstacles to their professional success like increasing hours, plateauing insurance reimbursements, interacting with patients with chronic pain, and maintaining a work/life balance. Over time, these obstacles erode professional and personal well-being, resulting in lower quality care in patients and career burnout. To overcome these obstacles, a physical therapist needs a holistic system of support. This system includes psychological and social skills like self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience. Unfortunately, these topics are often absent in physical therapy programs, leaving practitioners unprepared for the challenges facing them. To better equip physical therapists, this presentation will (a) discuss the importance of professional and personal well-being, (b) Identify common obstacles to well-being, and (c) provide practical strategies to increase overall well-being and career satisfaction.
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David Schary
PhD
David Schary, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Winthrop University. His mission is to help people understandthe importance of the psychological and social aspects in their everyday lives. Dr. Schary’s research interests include performance, leadership, and well-being across a variety of domains (e.g., medical profession, emergency services, wildland firefighters, and athletics). Currently, he is researching the relationship between well-being and performance. In addition to teaching and research, Dr. Schary is a performance consultant for Winthrop Athletics, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Dr. Schary completed his PhD in Exercise and Sport Science, with a concentration in Exercise and Sport Psychology, and Master of Public Health at Oregon State University. He also holds a Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Studies from Smith College and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, Davis. Prior to academia, he coached rowing at the high school, collegiate, and masters levels. As a transplant to South Carolina, he spends his free time exploring the area with his wife and twin daughters.
Course Instructions
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