INDS B.S.: The Patient-centered Approaches to Physical Therapy
Spring 2025 Capstone
My INDS Degree
I plan to integrate the disciplines of biology, psychology, public health, and emergency health services into my INDS degree in pre-physical therapy. By taking classes in biology, I will gain the foundation I need to understand how the human body functions and how its systems interact, as well as how factors like exercise and disease impact the body’s ability to work appropriately. In addition, I will gain insight into how important diet is for well-being, which is especially applicable to patients who need to make adjustments due to their health conditions. All of these elements work together to inform bodily health, as well as any treatment or recovery plans I may give my patients as a physical therapist. Knowledge of psychology will provide me with a solid understanding of how the mind processes aspects of pain, perception, motivation, and behavior. This is so I can better address my patients’ needs by recognizing how nonphysical factors may influence their physical ailments, by worsening symptoms or hindering recovery. Additionally, a strong foundation in psychology will strengthen my ability to identify the effects of stress, anxiety, or depression so I can provide the best care possible for each individual patient. Courses within the emergency healthcare services (EHS), public health (PBHL), and sociology (SOCY) disciplines will provide me with the tools to treat diverse patients within the healthcare system, as many cultures underestimate the catastrophic effects of pain on one’s physical and mental well-being.
Post Graduation Plans
I am attending the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Emory University. I believe my INDS degree helped me stand out against other candidates during applications and interviews.
Courses In My INDS Degree
✅ Biology: Build foundational knowledge in biology to understand the biological and physiological aspects of the human body, its systems, and functions. (BIOL 251, 251L, 252, 252L, 256)
✅ Psychology: Build foundational knowledge of the psychological aspects of pain, perception, motivation, and behavior: (PSYC 285, 309, 335, 360, 370)
✅ Emergency Health Services: Learn more about the healthcare industry and how to treat a diverse patient population effectively: (EHS 200, 340, MLL 305, SOCY 351, PBHL 340, 375)
✅ Individualized Study: Gain a multidisciplinary perspective, as well as build skills in research and applied learning: (INDS 330, 335, 410, 480, 490)