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Background and Purpose. The ongoing evolution of physical therapy-from reconstruction aides to doctors of physical therapy-accompanied by increased autonomy and visibility of our profession, reminds us of the high priority we should assign to living our core values and demonstrating professionalism.
Position and Rationale. Health professions mark their commitments to professionalism with public recitations of oaths. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) supports the use of an oath and the Education Section of APTA has adopted a model oath for use or adaptation by physical therapist education programs.
Discussion and Conclusion. Our profession is well served by reciting an oath during white coat or graduation ceremonies because public recitation of an oath marks the transformation of becoming a professional. Appropriate for professional (entry-level) graduates and practicing physical therapists who may be receiving their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree through a transitional program or physical therapists in attendance at the aforementioned ceremonies, the oath is a useful and meaningful rite of passage for new physical therapist professionals and a powerful reminder to practicing physical therapists to live up to the values and duties of our profession.
Key Words: Entry-level education, Oath, Profession, Professional development, Professional issues.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Throughout the history of physical therapy, practitioners have been called to uphold high standards and conduct themselves as professionals. The original physical therapists, referred to as "reconstruction aides," were taught to follow the orders of physicians and maintain a sense of decorum at all times.1'2 Today, physical therapists are held to high standards of professionalism by consistently demonstrating adherence to core values by "aspiring to and wisely applying principles of altruism, excellence, caring, ethics, respect, communication and accountability, and by working together with other professionals to achieve optimal health and wellness in individuals and communities."3(pl9)
This emphasis on professionalism is critical, as contemporary health environments present many ethical challenges. Physical therapists may feel pressure from internal and external sources to reduce the quality of care in order to make a profit. The focus on outcomes and evidence-based practice can appear to limit the decision-making of the physical therapist. The American Physical Therapy Associations (APTA) Vision 2020, approved in 2000, listed professionalism as 1 key element for the advancement of the profession, alongside autonomous practice; direct...