LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Abstract

To the Editor: This letter is in response to your editorial in Pediatric Physical Therapy (2003;15:73) entitled “The Prize.” As members of the clinical education team at the Program in Physical Therapy at Washington University, we often face many challenges in finding adequate clinical experiences for our students. Our barriers include both “The Prize and The Prejudice.” Your editorial provided excellent insight into the draconian notion that pediatric clinical education sites should be placed in an ivory tower to which only individuals completing specialized training will be given access. We strongly agree that this notion of pediatric sites viewing themselves as “The Prize” continues to persist. Even worse is the barrier of prejudice as it relates to access for all physical therapy students. Many pediatric clinical education sites or individual clinical education instructors continue to have preconceived opinions and judgments that students at the professional level or those who have had little exposure to pediatrics will be unable to successfully perform in their environment. We frequently encounter resistance from facilities or individuals to supervise students during early clinical experiences. Common reasons for this include a lack of knowledge of evaluation and treatment of neurologically impaired individuals, lack of experience with handling skills, and lack of experience with verbal communication with children. Students at any level of clinical education cannot only practice what they have learned but also develop and grow in areas in which they have not yet received formal training. Pediatric practitioners are often appalled by the lack of experience and exposure of new graduates who plan to work with children. However, many of these individuals helped to create the very paradox that exists by not agreeing to supervise and educate their future peers at all levels of clinical education. In our program, we have sought creative ways to develop new pediatric clinical affiliations. Although we have been relatively successful, it is a constant struggle to provide these learning experiences across the continuum of clinical education. Until many practitioners can overcome their preconceptions, pride and prejudice will prevail over pragmatism. Thank you for opening this dialogue. We hope that this will facilitate further discussion on ways in which we can further improve the education of our students and subsequent care of pediatric clients. Suzy Cornbleet, PT, MA Tammy Burlis, PT, DPT, CCS Beth Crowner, PT, MS, MPPA Cheryl Caldwell, PT, DPT, CHT