About Us

Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy

Program Overview

The Doctoral Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy is a full-time terminal doctoral degree program with fellowship level specialization in orthopaedic manual physical therapy. The program is an intensive 18 months in addition to academic pre-study. The program which began in July 1995, has now graduated a total of 11 cohorts. Students attend classes and provide patient care at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), on Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. The primary faculty members are the program director and associate program director. Additional teaching support comes from BAMC staff members and faculty members of the Army-Baylor University entry-level Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy located at the Army Medical Department Center and School (AMEDDC&S) on Fort Sam Houston.

Mission

To train and educate specialized, advanced practicing physical therapists who maximize military readiness and health outcomes through patient care, research, mentoring and teaching.

Vision

A world-class clinical research doctoral program and fellowship with graduates and faculty who are leaders in the field of orthopaedic manual physical therapy and embody the values of integrity, competence, and professionalism.

Aims

  1. Attract ethical, competent, highly motivated and clinically focused students and faculty
  2. Develop and maintain a cutting-edge terminal doctoral degree and fellowship curriculum that produces exceptionally skilled physical therapists, advances the role of physical therapy in the MHS, and meets the requirements for accreditation by the APTA and Baylor University
  3. Demonstrate value to the: Department of Defense (DoD), Army Medical Command (MEDCOM), the Army Medical Specialist Corps, Brooke Army Medical Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (DRM), Baylor University, and the civilian profession
  4. Produce master orthopaedic manual physical therapists
  5. Produce publishing researchers
  6. Produce clinical and academic educators
  7. Promote advancement in the field of orthopaedic manual physical therapy and professional development by supporting the APTA and AAOMPT mission, vision and standards of ethical practice

POCs

Program Contact Number: 210-808-2226

Curriculum/Rotations/Locations/Partnering Institutions

Program Structure

The fellowship is well integrated into the BAMC PT Clinic and the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. You are considered part of the staff. You may find that you are approached by PT staff for help or guidance on patient care. This has varied somewhat with the approachability of the student but it is a positive aspect of the staff relationships. We are not only here for academic purposes, but to help raise the bar for PT within the clinic.

The intensive, on-site portion of the program is 18 months with continued work on publication and dissemination of research in multiple forums and OMPT skill refinement expected beyond graduation.

The eighteen-month program is divided into four semesters with different areas of emphasis throughout each semester. Courses progress from the lower quarter (spine to peripheral joints) to the upper quarter in a similar fashion. The pertinent anatomy, biomechanics, radiology, and surgical management are taught during the appropriate semester for maximal cohesion of thought. Students perform patient care for half of a typical work day and practice manual techniques, attend classes or conduct research during the other half of the day. Each fellow has a minimum of four hours per week of clinical mentorship for evaluating and treating patients under the supervision of an experienced fellowship trained orthopaedic manual physical therapist.

Conveniently, the students receive their advanced clinical education and the majority of the didactic instruction in classrooms and patient care areas within the physical therapy clinic at BAMC. The fellowship maintains a current and comprehensive library of relevant peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, and other learning materials for fellow use. Fellows also have access to the resources of the BAMC and Baylor University libraries. The head of the anatomy lab at the AMEDD C&S graciously allows fellow access for cadaver dissections and pro-section study consistent with the body region of current clinical focus. Anatomy curriculum for the fellows emphasizes detail and clinical relevance not possible in entry-level physical therapy education. Relevant professional articles are an important aspect of the anatomy curriculum. Physiology similarly builds on previous entry-level coursework, focusing on the physiology of pain, aging, tissue-specific effects of rehabilitation, and other clinically pertinent topics.

Critical to the clinical training is the minimum of 150 hours of one-to-one clinical mentorship received by each student during patient care with program faculty who are fellows of AAOMPT. Each student must track and achieve the minimum number of mentorship hours to meet the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) Standards. The mentorship hours are highly valued by program graduates. The Chief, Physical Therapy BAMC strives to find patients for the fellows who are good manual therapy candidates for each new patient appointment. Each fellow maintains their own return appointment schedule providing the opportunity to choose select patients to see with their clinical mentor during their mentorship hours. Students are encouraged to schedule good mentorship patients for several consecutive mentorship sessions to facilitate advanced patient progression and discharge planning skills. Clinical mentors and faculty coordinate closely with the program director to consider the unique learning needs of each fellow during all aspects of training. This tailored mentorship experience provides the fellow with the opportunity to evaluate, treat, and progress patients together with experienced faculty. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced competency in screening and examination followed by carefully planned and executed interventions consistent with the principles of advanced clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.

Curriculum

Semester I (Jan-Jun) 15 hours

PHT 6191 Independent Study I (1 semester hour) Clinical practicum with direct one-to-one clinical mentoring with specialization in advanced orthopaedic manual physical therapy.

PHT 6391 Clinical Fellowship I (3 semester hours) Clinical practicum with specialization in orthopaedic manual physical therapy emphasizing advanced orthopaedic evaluation and intervention procedures in the provision of direct outpatient, orthopaedic care. 20 hours per week of direct patient care.

PHT 5241 Differential Diagnosis in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (2 semester hours) Discussion of the medical history and physical examination findings of somatic and visceral disorders with reference to their influence on physical therapy evaluation and intervention. Emphasis on systems review and screening for medical diseases to identify serious pathology presenting as musculoskeletal symptoms.

PHT 5326 Functional Physical Therapy Anatomy and Biomechanics: Lower Quarter (3 semester hours) Advanced course in human gross anatomy with emphasis on the origin of function. Ligaments, bones, and muscles are examined and their interrelationships emphasized especially with the lower extremities. All tissues and joint structures are analyzed from an anatomical as well as a functional perspective. Includes critical review of literature and discussion of topics relative to biomechanics of the lower quarter.

PHT 5382 Evaluation and Mobilization: Lower Quarter (3 semester hours) Interpretation of basic science knowledge and development of advanced clinical decision making skills needed to complete a differential evaluation and proceed to effective intervention of lower quarter dysfunction.

PHT 5230 Essentials of Evidence Based Practice and Clinical Research (2 semester hours) The integration of best evidence and best practice concepts as well as advanced concepts, techniques, and technologies used for the scientific inquiry of applied clinical research. Emphasis is placed on refining research designs for individual projects and preparing a research protocol for approval by the Institutional Review Board.

PHT 5191 Special Topics: Seminar I (1 semester hour) Concentrated study of a contemporary issue in physical therapy. Typically involves critical review of the literature on a specific topic and presentation to faculty, staff, and peers.

Semester II (Jun-Oct) 16 hours

PHT 6192 Independent Study II (1 semester hour) Clinical practicum with direct one-to-one clinical mentoring with specialization in advanced orthopaedic manual physical therapy.

PHT 6392 Clinical Fellowship II (3 semester hours) Clinical practicum with specialization in orthopaedic manual physical therapy emphasizing advanced orthopaedic evaluation and intervention procedures in the provision of direct outpatient, orthopaedic care. 20 hours per week of direct patient care.

PHT 5331 Quantitative Evaluation (3 semester hours) In-depth discussion of the research process including measurement theory, experimental design, hypothesis construction and testing, critical evaluation of research, rating scales, sampling, and indices of validity and reliability, statistical analysis, and the appropriate use and interpretation of statistical tests.

PHT 5327 Functional Physical Therapy Anatomy and Biomechanics: Upper Quarter (3 semester hours) Advanced dissection course in human gross anatomy with emphasis on the origin of function. Ligaments, bones, and muscles are dissected and their interrelationships emphasized especially with the upper extremities. All tissues and joint structures are analyzed from an anatomical as well as a functional perspective. Includes critical review of literature and discussion of topics relative to biomechanics of the upper quarter.

PHT 5383 Evaluation and Mobilization: Upper Quarter (3 semester hours) Interpretation of basic science knowledge and development of advanced clinical decision making skills needed to complete a differential evaluation and proceed to effective intervention of upper quarter dysfunction.

PHT 5323 Pathophysiology of Therapeutic Exercise (3 semester hours) An in-depth exploration of exercise physiology and pathophysiology related to the cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems. Emphasis will be placed on utilizing this information as a basis for evaluating patients with selected pathologies commonly seen in orthopaedic physical therapy practice, and designing and implementing treatment programs.

Semester III (Nov-Mar) 13 hours

PHT 6193 Independent Study III (1 semester hour) Clinical practicum with direct one-to-one clinical mentoring with specialization in advanced orthopaedic manual physical therapy.

PHT 6393 Clinical Fellowship III (3 semester hours) Clinical practicum with specialization in orthopaedic manual physical therapy emphasizing advanced orthopaedic evaluation and intervention procedures in the provision of direct outpatient, orthopaedic care. 20 hours per week of direct patient care.

PHT 6332 Field Research in Physical Therapy (3 semester hours) The development of a clinical research question, completing a comprehensive literature review, and writing a research protocol to include informed consent documents. This course is designed to guide the residents in conducting and completing original clinical research. Focus will be placed on assisting the residents to be participants in the research process. Includes data collection for a clinical research study. Attendance and participation at the annual AAOMPT Conference is also part of this course.

PHT 5321 Aspects of Pharmacology and Nutrition in Physical Therapy (3 semester hours) The role and relationship of nutrition and drug therapy in the treatment of specific populations treated by physical therapists. Medical indications and potential effects of drugs on physical therapy interventions and nutritional principles related to exercise.

PHT 5392 Evaluation and Mobilization: Advanced Lower Quarter (3 semester hours) Review of basic science knowledge and refinement of clinical decision making skills needed to complete a differential evaluation and proceed to effective intervention for lower quarter dysfunction. Development of advanced clinical skills in treatment progression and application of combined movements, and advanced joint manipulation techniques.

Semester IV (Mar-Jul) 16 hours

PHT 6194 Independent Study IV (1 semester hour) Clinical practicum with direct one-to-one clinical mentoring with specialization in advanced orthopaedic manual physical therapy.

PHT 6394 Clinical Fellowship IV (3 semester hours) Clinical practicum with specialization in orthopaedic manual physical therapy emphasizing advanced orthopaedic evaluation and intervention procedures in the provision of direct outpatient, orthopaedic care. 20 hours per week of direct patient care.

PHT 6333 Advanced Professional Paper Project (3 semester hours) Completion of the manuscript from the clinical research project with the goal of publication in a peer reviewed journal. Submission of abstracts of literature reviews of selected topics, pilot research studies, independent and group clinical research projects for poster or platform presentation at professional meetings.

PHT 5393 Evaluation and Mobilization: Advanced Upper Quarter (3 semester hours) Review of basic science knowledge and refinement of clinical decision making skills needed to complete a differential evaluation and proceed to effective intervention for upper quarter dysfunction. Development of advanced clinical skills in treatment progression and application of combined movements, and advanced joint manipulation techniques.

PHT 5349 Radiology for Physical Therapists (3 semester hours) Familiarizes the physical therapist with procedures used in radiology related to neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders. Emphasis placed on correlation of radiologic findings with clinical signs and symptoms. Includes review of basic radiography and advanced imaging including MRI, CT, and bone scans.

PHT 6101 Advanced Practicum in Physical Therapy (1 semester hour) Supervised experience in a specialized area of interest such as administration, teaching, research, or clinical practice.

PHT 6111 Advanced Orthopaedic/Sports Medicine and Surgery for Physical Therapists (1 semester hour) Review of the orthopaedic surgeon’s model of evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Current topics in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine including surgical procedures and rehabilitation guidelines.

PHT 5192 Special Topics: Seminar II (1 semester hour) Concentrated study of a contemporary issue in physical therapy. Typically involves critical review of the literature on a specific topic and presentation to faculty, staff, and peers.

Military Relevance (military relevance of specialty/how program prepares trainees to be ready for military mission & first assignment)

Provide Army and other uniformed physical therapists with advanced training and education in the full spectrum of orthopaedic manual physical therapy, including that for the spine and extremities, integrating manual physical therapy into the larger scope of orthopaedic physical therapy practice. Graduates of this program go on to serve as experts in musculoskeletal care throughout the DoD. Examples of utilization tours after graduation include: Division PT, internship director, Special Operations PT, DPT and OMPT/Sports Fellowship faculty positions, and various MTF leadership positions. Several alumni of this program have gone on to serve in senior leadership positions such as PT Consultant to the Surgeon General, Deputy Commandant of MEDCoE, Graduate School Dean, Director, Rehabilitation & Reintegration Division, etc.

In addition to producing advanced practicing physical therapist for the military, the OMPT program conducts on-going military relevant research. The program averages over 500k of grant funded research and contributes multiple peer-reviewed publications and presentations annually.

Application Instructions (Eligibility/Interview Process/Program Application Details)

Application Criteria for Candidates for the Army-Baylor University Doctoral Fellowship in OMPT

  1. Candidates for admission to the program must be a licensed physical therapist with a master's degree (MPT) or an entry-level doctoral degree (DPT) in physical therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. They should have a minimum of four years of experience in orthopaedic physical therapy upon entry into the program. Furthermore, candidates must possess at least one of the following qualifications:
    1. ABPTS specialist certification in the related area of specialty (Orthopaedics [OCS], Sports [SCS], or Electromyography [ECS]), and/or
    2. Completion of an APTA accredited residency, or equivalent in a related specialty area.
  2. Successful applicants must have a current GRE score (within the last 5 years) with a minimum verbal score of 148, analytical writing score no less than 3.0 and a minimum total score (verbal and quantitative) of 300 for entrance. Applicants must also meet the entrance requirements of the Graduate School of Baylor University. Candidates are selected by a competitive board process by their respective uniformed service. All uniformed service candidates must accept an active duty service obligation to remain on active duty after completion of the program.
  3. Transfer credits are not accepted.

Contact Us

Program Contact

Phone: 210-808-2226
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