Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program

Performance Optimal Health•Darien, CT

11d

About The Position

The Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program at Performance Optimal Health is a 12-month, post-professional program designed to advance the clinical expertise and leadership skills of Physical Therapists in the specialty area of orthopedic physical therapy. This internal program is open to licensed Performance Optimal Health clinicians and combines evidence-based didactic education, structured clinical mentoring, teaching, and community engagement to prepare residents for board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Program Mission: To develop specialist orthopedic Physical Therapists by delivering an advanced, evidence-based curriculum and fostering a commitment to improving patient outcomes through clinical excellence, research integration, and community service. The program supports a culture of innovation, lifelong learning, and continuous quality improvement among residents, mentors, and faculty. Program Objectives: Deliver a Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Curriculum Curriculum updated annually to reflect current research Broad exposure to orthopedic conditions and interventions High-quality clinical mentorship throughout the residency Promote Excellence in Orthopedic Clinical Practice Faculty maintain OCS certification and active APTA engagement Mentors model clinical reasoning and advanced orthopedic skills Prepare Residents for OCS Certification Emphasis on developing expert clinical reasoning Specialist-level patient care experiences and assessments Structured exam preparation and support Ensure Continuous Program Improvement Annual review of curriculum and mentoring effectiveness Oversight of clinical experiences to ensure diversity and quality Faculty and resident feedback-driven refinement Encourage Leadership and Service Active participation in community events and outreach Engagement in professional meetings and continuing education

Requirements

Licensed Physical Therapist employed by Performance Optimal Health
Graduate of an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program
Demonstrated commitment to orthopedic specialization and clinical growth
Strong communication, critical thinking, and leadership potential
Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Possession of current license to practice physical therapy in the state of Connecticut and/or Florida
No history of professional license suspension, probation, revocation, or ongoing investigation
CPR certified
Active membership in the APTA(national, state, and orthopedic section)
Active membership in the AOPT

Responsibilities

Achieve Specialist-Level Clinical Competency
Excel in didactic learning and hands-on clinical skills
Deliver high-quality patient care
Apply for and prepare to take the OCS exam
Serve as a Clinical Educator and Peer Mentor
Act as Clinical Instructor for DPT students
Lead journal clubs and discussions
Develop an online educational course on the LearnWorlds platform
Demonstrate Mastery of APTA’s Core Competencies
Clinical reasoning, communication, patient education, and systems-based practice
Effective and individualized patient management
Engage in Professional Development and Advocacy
Maintain APTA and Orthopedic Section membership
Attend APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting
Support growth of the orthopedic physical therapy profession
Commit to Lifelong Learning and Scholarship
Complete a capstone clinical case project
Present findings internally and submit for external conference consideration