Welcome Letter

Thank you for your interest in our unique Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency. We, at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation Network and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, observed a void that exists in many clinicians today. One key factor often overlooked is the importance of understanding the acuity of patients and the patient’s experience prior to coming to an outpatient clinic. As part of a large network of hospitals, we have the unique opportunity to give residents the complete picture of the patient experience prior to outpatient care.

The initial phase of our 14-month residency will be on an acute care orthopedic floor. There, residents will gain a great understanding of vital signs, precautions, and co-morbidities. Residents will have the opportunity to observe the surgeries for which they will be treating patients in the near future. In some cases there may be an opportunity to treat the same patient in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. After the acute care rotation, residents will complete two rotations through different types of outpatient clinics. 

The first rotation will be conducted with a sports medicine outpatient clinic where residents will get to experience traditional orthopedic therapy with some sports-related injuries as well. Residents will also focus on post/perioperative care, and will work with some of the top orthopedic physicians in Maryland.

The second rotation will be conducted in a hospital-based outpatient clinic. In both settings, residents will experience handling different patient populations and the various challenges each setting presents. Residents will also have the opportunity to work in the Emergency Department. There, residents will be challenged to hone their skills for differential diagnosis and treatment when appropriate.

Simultaneously, residents will learn from the exceptional faculty at the University of Maryland’s Physical Therapy program. Not only will they be learning advanced treatment techniques, which they will apply in the clinical setting, they will train with faculty to teach the entry-level DPT students.

This unique program offers residents a wide array of experiences that will produce skilled clinicians, who will flourish in any orthopedic clinical setting.

If you are looking for a challenge and have a desire for a greater understanding of orthopedic rehabilitation, then this program is for you. Every resident will leave this program with a depth of knowledge and experience that would take years in the field to acquire.

Jason Shipley, PT, DPT, OCS
Program Director, University of Maryland Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency