General Information

Name: Matthew Roche

Internship Hours: 32 hrs/ 13 wks
Internship Placement: Performance Physical Therapy
Internship Supervisors: Leanne Monteiro, Bryanna Restelli, Mike Gallagher
Internship Job: Student intern at a Physical Therapy Outpatient Clinic

Background
The opportunity for me to serve as an intern for the Exercise Specialists and Physical Therapists
at Performance Physical Therapy when I contacted the head of HR in August 2022. I expressed
interest in shadowing the massage therapy and exercises given to clients for specific targeted
injuries and rehabilitation then obtained the information of the clinic director for the Richmond,
RI location. I was honored to be selected for the internship for the Fall 2022 semester, and even
with the continued impact of the coronavirus, the internship is fully in-person and continues to
follow COVID-19 guidelines. It was only a few days after I reached out to the clinic director that I
received an email offering me the internship.

Professional Objectives
Create a 15 minute presentation on a physical therapy treatment
● Choose a topic and research materials through valid and approved online resources
● Research about the topic and the benefits when used for rehabilitation of a physical
injury/surgery
● Highlight important research and findings in an organized presentation
● Invite clinic staff from Performance Physical Therapy to view presentation and ask
questions related to material
Evidence: Include the PowerPoint presentation used in eportfolio

Gain a better understanding of how to assist patients in rebuilding strength, balance, and
flexibility.
● Shadow the two exercise specialists as they walk patients through their exercises for the
day.
● Provide patients with the equipment needed for strengthening and stability exercises
(I.e. canes, exercise bands, airex pads, etc.)
● Work alongside PTs, PTAs, and ESs to improve and adapt exercises and routines for
patients.
● Work 1-on-1 with patients to work through exercises, teaching new ones when needed.
Evidence: Include a reflection in eportfolio

Create and update daily patient list and FOTO scores to track progress
● Look in online program to track patient visit number for FOTO progress (new score
needed every ~5 visits)
● If FOTO is needed, inform an ES so they can set up the interview on tablet
● Review scores to see if patients are progressing or regressing with their injury
 ● Go through next day’s list of patients to see who needs a FOTO evaluation and who
does not
Evidence: Include a reflection in eportfolio

Becoming a professional in a Physical Therapy Clinic during a Global Pandemic

● Ensuring that COVID-19 guidelines are followed to prevent transmission of disease
● Making sure that a mask is worn on the exercise floor and gloves when needed
● Understanding the importance of cleaning equipment between patient uses to prevent
disease transmission
Evidence: Include a reflection in eportfolio

Details
Duties include:
● Adhering to COVID-19 guidelines and ensuring there is no contact with patients that may
have had close contact
● Monitor supplies on the floor, replacing any when low stock or damaged (I.e. water cups,
exercise bands, gloves, etc.)
● Interact with clinic staff to acquire and run through exercises for patients and their
specific injuries
● Assisting rehabilitating patients in movements across exercise floor when needed, as
well as assisting in balance to help build endurance
● Cleaning all equipment and benches used after each patient use
● Laundry of pillowcases, sheets and towels to ensure everything is clean for the next
patient

Evaluation Methods:
● Daily check-ins with supervisors to assess progress and knowledge of exercises
shadowed
● Mid semester and final evaluations of time at Performance
● Weekly time cards on Brightspace posted every Sunday
● Biweekly discussion posts to update on what was learned

Expected Work Days:

● Mon, Wed, Thurs 10-6
● Fri 9-5
● Start date: September 7, 2022
● End date: December 13, 2022
● Times and days may be adjusted due to holidays and inclement weather