Physical therapist provides exercise instruction to patient
WACO, Texas – A new residency program at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest will provide physical therapists the education and experience to become specialists in orthopaedic physical therapy. A first in Central Texas, the orthopaedic physical therapy residency program is a new collaboration between Baylor Scott & White Health and the Department of Physical Therapy at Baylor University.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to experience early specialization in the field of orthopaedics," said Trevor Carlson, PT, DPT, director of the residency program. "This residency represents an opportunity to elevate orthopaedic physical therapy practice within our community."
During the 12-month program, residents will build orthopaedic expertise by working with a diverse patient population and receiving clinical mentorship in multiple care settings at Baylor Scott & White – Hillcrest. Through Baylor University, residents also will complete coursework and participate in teaching and research opportunities with faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy. Upon successful completion of the residency, residents will be eligible to take the national board examination for specialist certification.
The orthopaedic physical therapy residency is undergoing accreditation by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency & Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) and will be the only orthopaedic residency between the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metro areas.
"The Baylor University Physical Therapy Department is thrilled to work alongside Baylor Scott & White – Hillcrest with a shared goal of advancing orthopaedic physical therapist practice," notes Dr. Sheri Dragoo, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences interim dean.
"This innovative program will allow our faculty to share their advanced orthopaedic expertise with residents, while providing residents the opportunity to teach into our entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program," said Kendra Gagnon, PT, PhD, chair of the Physical Therapy Department at Baylor University. "It is truly a win-win for our faculty, students, the Waco community, and the physical therapy profession."
Licensed U.S. physical therapists may apply by Nov. 15. The first residents will begin in March 2022.
About Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University
The Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University was established in 2014, a result of identified priorities for strengthening the health sciences through Baylor's strategic vision, Pro Futuris, and the University's Illuminate strategic plan. The anchor academic units that form Robbins College – Communication Sciences and Disorders; Human Sciences and Design; Health, Human Performance and Recreation; Occupational Therapy; Physical Therapy; Public Health; and Division of Health Professions – share a common purpose: improving health and quality of life. The College's curricula promotes a team-based approach to transformational education and research that has established interdisciplinary research collaborations to advance solutions for improving quality of life for individuals, families and communities. For more information, baylor.edu/chhs.
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About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com
