The UK HealthCare Orthopaedic Residency aims to cultivate a new generation of expert orthopaedic physical therapists who will contribute to the profession and society as board-certified clinical specialists in orthopaedics. We are committed to advancing the standard of care within UK HealthCare and the broader healthcare system by fostering an environment of excellence and innovation. By integrating rigorous training, pioneering research and mentored patient care, we seek to enhance the quality of therapy services and improve patient outcomes, in alignment with UK HealthCare's mission to lead in academic health care through research, education and clinical excellence.

The graduate will be a highly skilled clinician who:

• Delivers excellent client-centered care as a member of the interprofessional healthcare team to increase efficacy and efficiency of care.
• Develops advanced critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills in the evaluation and evidence-based treatment of the orthopaedic population as outlined by ABPTRFE’s Description of Residency Practice.
• Demonstrates proficiency in psychomotor skills for assessment and diagnosis of orthopaedic conditions and manual therapy interventions and treatments.
• Demonstrates advanced skills as an educator of orthopaedic physical therapy, utilizing appropriate strategies to increase knowledge and skills of patients, caregivers, students, colleagues and other interdisciplinary healthcare providers.
• Contributes to physical therapy's body of knowledge, consumes scholarly literature and utilizes evidence-based decision-making.
• Masters the skills and knowledge required to pass the ABPTS’s orthopaedic specialty (OCS) exam and practice as a highly competent physical therapist in the field of orthopaedic rehabilitation.

• Direct patient care at UK HealthCare in outpatient orthopaedic and sports rehab. 30-32 hours/week
• 1:1 direct mentoring of patient care with a qualified faculty member. 4-5 hours/week
• Teaching opportunities within the UK Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program instructing entry-level students in musculoskeletal courses and related content
• Academic mentorship to promote growth of the resident as an entry-level DPT educator
• Service as a clinical instructor for UK’s DPT students in primary clinic sites and at UK Good Samaritan’s Touch Clinic working with Lexington’s underserved population. 60 hours/year
• Physician shadowing, surgery observation, specialty clinic experiences. 48 hours/year
• Didactic education:
  • Lectures and hands-on clinical activity instruction. 40 hours/year
  • Specialty topics in orthopaedic rehab. 12 hours/year
  • OCS preparatory coursework. 60 hours/year
  • Independent study and self-directed learning opportunities
• In partnership with The Johns Hopkins Hospital Orthopaedic PT Residency, attend the “Current Concepts in Orthopaedic PT” CEU series. 96 hours/year
• Produce a research project with mentorship 
• Monthly journal club presented by the resident

We accept two residents per year. The following items are required for an individual applicant to be eligible to enter the UK HealthCare Orthopaedic Residency Program:

1. Graduate from a CAPTE (Commission for Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education) accredited physical therapy program.
2. Hold (in good standing) a current license to practice physical therapy in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
3. Meet all eligibility requirements to be employed as a practicing physical therapist within UK HealthCare, including passing criminal-background check and drug-screening requirements established by UK Human Resources for new hire employees.
4. Hold active certification in CPR/BLS.
5. Submission of a current resume or CV.

Minimum of one year of clinical experience or exceptional performance during clinical rotations in an orthopaedic outpatient setting is preferred. Manual therapy experience and APTA membership is also preferred. The ideal candidate will value professional growth and critical-thinking skills. They will be receptive to mentorship and feedback and demonstrate strong organizational ability. They will have great interpersonal skills and leadership potential. New graduates are welcome to apply.

This is a paid, full-time position. Residents will receive malpractice coverage provided by UK HealthCare at no charge as per a standard employee hire at UK Healthcare. Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance as well as 403(b) are offered at standard employee rates. Residents will be given the opportunity to select the health, dental and/or vision plans in which they wish to enroll during employee orientation. Residents may elect not to participate at that time as well. At the end of the program, residents will not be eligible to receive the employer match on the 403(b) plan but will be eligible to receive their own personal contributions to the 403(b) plan. For further details regarding insurance/benefits, refer to this page. Benefits provided by UK HealthCare will begin on Oct. 1. Benefits, including health insurance, malpractice insurance, disability insurance, 403(b) plan, sick, vacation and holiday time, and continuing education funding are based on the offers provided to employees of the organization.

Interested applicants should email the program director stating their interest in the program along with a resume or CV by Feb. 1. Please feel free to contact Heath Crist or Matthew Baker with questions concerning the program.

Residency Program Director

Heath Crist, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Email: heath.crist@uky.edu

Residency Program Coordinator

Matthew Baker, PT, DPT OCS, CSCS
Email: matthew.baker1@uky.edu

Residency Program Faculty

Courtney Cowen, PT, DPT
Ryan McGuire, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, CSCS
Patrick Pabian, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, SCS
Richard Watson PT, OCS
Matthew Walters, PT, DPT, OCS