Physical Therapy Professional Foundations: Keys to Success in School and Career.

Curtis KA. Thorofare, NJ 08086, Slack Inc, 2002, paperback, 304 pp, ISBN: 1-55642-411-6, $35.

The purpose of this book is to provide information to physical therapist students from the very beginning of their education to their entrance into clinical practice. Its focus is to help physical therapist students achieve success from professional education to clinical practice.

The book is divided into 6 parts. The first part, which contains 3 chapters, is an introduction to the profession of physical therapy and a discussion of the future of the profession and the evolving role of the physical therapist. The author discusses issues about becoming a physical therapist in the second part of the book. Its 5 chapters include information on financing education, an overview of an education program, professional behavior, student evaluations, and professional projects. The third part covers ways that physical therapist students can become successful. Its 4 chapters contain information on the learning process, expectations, self-management strategies, and legal and ethical considerations.

Support for students with special needs is discussed in part 4, covering the subjects of students with disabilities, English as a second language, and students who are re-entering the profession or are starting a second career in 3 chapters. The fifth part, which contains 6 chapters, covers issues regarding the physical therapist student's future. The author discusses critical thinking and evidence-based practice, information competence, diversity and cultural competence, collaboration, involvement in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and professional conferences. Part 6 concerns the transition into the profession of physical therapy. Its 4 chapters include information on preparing for licensure, entering the job market, challenges for the new graduate, and planning for professional development. The 4 appendixes cover the model definition of physical therapy and 4 documents from the APTA--the Code of Ethics, Guide for Professional Conduct, Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy and the Criteria, and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.

The book contains an overview of many topics, but in-depth information is not provided. The writing style is clear. Brief real-life examples are presented throughout the chapters to highlight and reinforce concepts within the text. The author includes many tables to expand on the information in the text. Sections titled "Putting It Into Practice" at the end of each chapter are exercises for the student to complete. The textbook and the APTA Web site can be used to complete the questions in this section. Many references and resources are listed within and at the end of each chapter and include many Web sites; however, I am concerned that these Web sites may become out of date. The APTA is supported and promoted throughout this book. The author also promotes the use of people-first language, although a few inconsistencies exist.

This book may help students make well-informed choices about their education and careers and may be a valuable resource for physical therapist students who are beginning their education. The book may be more beneficial for students before they enter their physical therapist education program. Students may use the book if a school has a program that prepares students for their graduate physical therapy program. They can use the book as undergraduates and continue using it from the beginning to the end of the graduate physical therapist education program. This book may also be helpful to new graduate physical therapists in the transition to clinical practice. The many samples in the tables may be helpful to a physical therapist new to the academic environment. The book also can serve as a reference and resource for physical therapy faculty and practicing clinicians.

Marianne R Orest, PT
Fletcher Allen Health Care
Medical Center Hospital of Vermont
Campus
Burlington, Vt

Ms Orest is Clinical Research Educator and performs patient care and clinical research in a tertiary care facility. She is also Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Vermont.