How the physical therapy profession values a study abroad experience By: Megan Cary

Interviewee: Dr. Benson Howard Walker, PT, MS Dr. Benson, owner and operator of Amelia Physical therapy, opened the office in April of 2001. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Question 1: Where did you receive your degree? “I received my Master’s of Science, specializing in Physical Therapy, from VCU which was then MCV.”

Question 2: Did you study abroad while in school? “No. I was enlisted in the military before attending college, however.”

Question 3: Do you have any colleagues who have studied abroad? “I can’t think of anyone of the top of my head. I did have a lot of military friends who traveled while in service.”

Question 4: How do you think the therapy profession values a study abroad experience? “Other countries have a very different outlook on physical therapy and health care in general. I think its very beneficial to see how other countries administer health care. And it’s always beneficial to be open to other cultures and ethnicities as well.”

Question 5: If you were hiring an additional therapist for your office, would a study abroad experience make a candidate more likely to receive the position? “For me, probably not. I think that personality, how you interact with others, and how you deal with problems is more important. It is good to see, however.”

Question 6: do you have many patients of varying ethnicity? “I do have some, yes. Mostly from Mexico. However, Amelia is not as diverse as other places like D.C.”

Question 7: How often do you come across a language barrier while working with patients? “Not that often. Most patients know at least a little English, but it does happen. Mostly Spanish speakers.”

Question 8: based on the number of patients with varying ethnicities or a language barrier, what country would you suggest studying abroad in? “Definitely Mexico, or South America in general. Most of the ethnicities I see are Spanish- speaking.”

Question 9: To the best of your knowledge, what kinds of opportunities does a study abroad experience open up for a physical therapist? “It depends on a lot of things. Physical therapy is such a broad field of study and it largely depends on what area you work in. It is always beneficial to be open to different cultures and values. You could work in a refugee camp, maybe. If you were proficient in another language.”

Question 10: Did you receive any courses or receive any training for differences in patients’ ethnicities or cultures? “Well the 1990’s were a long time ago, I don’t really remember. The programs have also changed a lot. I believe I took a class on cultural differences.”

Question 11: what are some “soft skills” needed to be successful as a physical therapist? “Again, it depends on the environment and where you are working. You have to be willing to work, and also be willing to work with all types of people. You have to want to help, and be open to all patients. You need to be able to listen and hear patients, and be a problem solver. You need to be sensitive to a patient’s personal issues. As a physical therapist I am always learning, there is a lot I still don’t know. You have to be open to learn everyday.”

Analysis: As a therapist working in Amelia, Benson does not see as much cultural diversity as a therapist working in D.C. or New York. However, he does see patients of varying ethnicities, mostly from Mexico. While he has not received much cultural and global skills training, he is very successful in what he does. Again, Amelia is not the most diverse place to work in. To further my analysis on how the therapy profession values a study abroad experience, I would like to interview a therapist working in a more urban and diverse environment. I think that it would be interesting to see how the answers vary.

Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge Dr. Benson’s secretary at his Amelia Office, Paula Lutcher. She was very helpful in helping me setting up an interview time, as Dr. Benson is very busy.