PROFESSIONAL STATEMENT

Entering the Speech-Language Pathology Masters of Health Science program at the University of Toronto was an exciting experience, as it was my next step towards a profession in healthcare. At the time of my acceptance, I had just graduated from a Masters of Science in medical microbiology, which had been preceded by a combined Honours Bachelor of Science in biology and psychology. My previous educational achievements provided me with a solid background in the human body, behavioural sciences, and basic research practices within the health science field. Along with my academic awards and publications, I felt that my education in health sciences provided me with a solid foundation, and allowed me to enter the program with confidence and what I believed to be the tools for success. The Speech-Language Pathology program genuinely interested me, as it would allow me to incorporate my interests in working clinically in a healthcare setting, with my need to learn about and participate in clinically relevant research in a fast growing field. Furthermore, through my various community volunteer experiences, I developed an attraction to working with and helping people with communication disorders. As a speech-language pathologist (S-LP), I felt I could help make life meaningful to individuals through the development of their successful communication.

In my first journal entry I wrote, "I'm happy, nervous and excited to be here, and am looking forward to the challenge", and a challenge it has been over the last twenty months. After my first month of training, I quickly came to the realization that being a professional S-LP involved so much more than what my initial exposure had given me, recognizing that I had lots to learn. At that point, I knew I had a true career path to follow and I quickly established two long-term goals. The first goal, was to develop my knowledge, and clinical and professional skills, so that I would graduate a well rounded and competent clinician, and the second goal, was to find my 'niche' within this field. By 'niche', I meant the type of practice that I would most want to see myself working in as a future S-LP. In order to achieve these long-term goals, throughout my training, I remained open to all new concepts and ideas. I also took advantage of the countless learning opportunities that I experienced in my clinical placements, classroom studies, seminars, workshops, conferences, and readings of textbooks and journals. These experiences have enabled me to develop a deeper understanding towards the theories and practices of speech-language pathology.

Through my training, I feel that I have obtained the entry-level requirements to begin my career as a S-LP in the healthcare field. This portfolio will describe selected academic and clinical experiences, which are used to justify my achievement of the eight curriculum objectives. I have entitled the portfolio "The Evolution of a Student" because I feel that it reflects my growth and change as an individual, from a student to a professional in speech-language pathology. My portfolio will provide evidence of my knowledge in areas that I feel will be the foundation of my practice as a S-LP. Life long learning, maintaining ethical standards, respecting diversity, working in teams and using evidence-based practice are intrinsic to my philosophies of what it takes to be an effective clinician. As I enter the healthcare field, I view this as the 'next step' in my life-long learning, with many future experiences that will help me to continually grow both personally and professionally. I will always look to identify personal areas for development, and will strive to locate the appropriate resources to build my knowledge base in those areas, along with identifying possible research avenues that could be valuable to our profession as a whole. Ethical and legal standards will guide my practices in order to ensure that I am providing the best possible service, and respecting the diversities of my colleagues, clients, and their families will ensure that I am able to practice within those ethical guidelines. Finally, by functioning as one member of a team that encompasses the client, their families, and other professionals I believe we can effectively work together in an open and clear communicative environment to facilitate in process of rehabilitation.

Reflecting upon this portfolio, I have sense of accomplishment and a proud feeling of achievement. As I move to my next step and begin my professional career as a S-LP, I look back on my training as the springboard for further learning and professional growth, where the core objectives of the curriculum will remain as a focal part of my everyday practice.