Dr. Franklin Cutaran: Physical Therapist
By Imran Shaikh November 10, 2022
Helping people regain their motion, strength and balance, Dr. Franklin Cutaran treats patients with various medical conditions and musculoskeletal injuries as a physical therapist. On weekdays, Cutaran works at an outpatient clinic where he sees patients with orthopedic conditions, while he works in a hospital to treat those with neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory and other medical issues on weekends.
“At the clinic, I evaluate patients with musculoskeletal problems and develop individualized treatment plans accordingly. My goal is to facilitate functional activities, manage pain, improve quality of life and assist in a return to sports by providing hands-on care through manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education and specific exercises. I also use therapy modalities such as heat, cold or taping to help treat my patients. At the hospital, I see patients with acute illnesses,” Cutaran said.
To become a physical therapist, one must attend physical therapy school, which is a doctorate program. Prerequisites include a bachelor’s degree in science along with a high score on the Graduate Record Examination—a standardized test that many graduate schools require for admission similar to the SAT for undergraduate admissions. Applicants must also serve at least 100 volunteer hours or work a paid position in a physical therapy clinic or hospital before they are eligible to apply to a physical therapy school.
Once accepted, students usually take around three and a half years to earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. After completing their education, students must pass the Physical Therapy Board exam and ethics examination before they can start working as a physical therapist.
Cutaran takes new education courses each year, engages in small projects at his job and volunteers as a clinical instructor to help advance his career. He enjoys seeing his patients’ muscular function improve through hard work and determination. Many people arrive at his clinic in wheelchairs, walkers or crutches, but are able to walk—or sometimes even run—after a few weeks of rehabilitation.
“Physical therapy is a very satisfying job. Additionally, since physical therapy is in such high demand, there is a high level of job security. If you are interested in making a difference in someone’s life and can handle the demanding journey necessary to become a physical therapist, I highly recommend pursuing this path,” Cutaran said.
About the Contributors
Imran Shaikh
Community News and Feature World Editor
Imran Shaikh is a junior at Leland High School and is the current Community News and Feature World page editor for The Charger Account. When he isn't swamped with the typical junior workload, he enjoys sleeping, aimlessly watching videos, or just doing nothing
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