WVU to house first orthopedic physical therapy residency program

West Virginia University’s School of Medicine has received candidacy status for the state’s first full-time, onsite post-professional residency in Orthopedic physical therapy. 

Candidacy is the first step towards full accreditation, allowing the program to bring on its first resident in August 2021. 

According to Mary Beth Mandich, Ph.D., P.T., vice dean of Professional and Undergraduate Programs and Physical Therapy chair, the accrediting body cited the program’s mission of enhancing the health of the population in West Virginia, especially the rural and underserved areas, as a strength.

Physical therapists certified in this specialty area make a contribution to education and research, in addition to providing clinical care. Completion of a post-professional residency provides advanced clinical training in specific areas of physical therapy practice. 

“Next to the common cold, low back pain costs more to the health care industry than any other pain,” Renee McGinnis, P.T., D.P.T., O.C.S., said. “We see so many lower back cases and other orthopedic issues in our state, particularly in rural areas. We believe that offering specialty training at home will provide West Virginians with better access to resources.”

Residencies and fellowships are accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education and prepare participants to become board certified licensed clinical specialists in their respective practice area.

Completion of a residency along with board certification is increasingly recognized by health professionals and the public as evidence of advanced competency in the certification area.

Mandich says the residency program has been nearly a decade in the making.

“The School’s PT/OT Faculty Practice Clinic allowed us to build the clinical caseload required for accreditation while providing a much-needed service to our community,” Mandich said.  “West Virginians deserve the option of having their physical therapy care provided by individuals with advanced clinical specialization and we hope this residency is the first of several to be developed.”

Applications for residency are available by contacting Renee McGinnis at 304.293.0642 or by email at rriffle@hsc.wvu.edu.

For more information on WVU Physical Therapy, visit medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/pt.