Congratulations to Doctor of Physical Therapy Student, Argel “Hal” Brown (University of Vermont) winner of the annual Student Essay Contest, co-sponsored by the American Counsel of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) and the Journal of Humanities in Rehabilitation (JHR).  The ninth in an annual series, this national contest offers a creative opportunity to ignite critical reflection in Physical Therapy students across the nation to support holistic approaches to patient care. This year’s essay prompt was: 

“What experience, in the classroom or the clinical setting, has challenged your assumptions and deepened your sense of curiosity as a physical therapist? How has this experience shaped your understanding of what it might take to remain deeply curious, even after years of clinical practice?

One definition of curiosity is “an eager desire to learn; a deep interest in others’ concerns.” In rehabilitation, curiosity might be understood as the work of resistance against assumptions, biases, or textbook answers when relating to patients, peers, or yourself as a learner. It can foster deeper understanding, empathy, and more holistic care.”