Baylor Scott & White Health-Baylor University Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Receives Initial ABPTRFE Accreditation

January 23, 2023
Baylor Physical Therapy Orthopedic Resident

Current Resident Dr. Hannah Lewis assists with the Baylor DPT lab immersion.

The Department of Physical Therapy in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences has received notice that the Baylor Scott & White Health-Baylor University Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency has been granted initial accreditation through January 2028 by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE).

“The process of accreditation is grueling, requiring copious amounts of time, energy, and organization. We learned a lot about the program during the process, and ultimately ended up with a stronger program all around,” said Casey Unverzagt, DPT, DSc, Academic Coordinator of the Orthopedic Residency and Clinical Associate Professor. “Now with initial accreditation behind us, we can focus our efforts on really pushing the envelope with residency education.”

The Baylor Scott & White-Baylor University Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency is a 12-month clinical residency that provides physical therapists with the education and experience needed to become specialists in orthopedic physical therapy. Residents work across at least two different orthopedic practice settings and also have the opportunity to teach in the Baylor Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, serving as adjunct faculty for musculoskeletal labs.

“Our collaboration with Baylor University offers our physical therapy residents the best of both worlds,” said Trevor Carlson, Program Director of the Orthopedic Residency and Director of Rehab Services for Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest. “On one hand you have the wealth of knowledge that Baylor University faculty bring to the didactic side, which is coupled with the skilled clinical mentorship on the Baylor Scott & White side. It’s a great combination that accelerates our residents into specialty practice.”

Accreditation by ABPTRFE is a reflection of the value and quality of the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program. By receiving initial accreditation, ABPTRFE has determined that the Baylor Scott & White – Baylor University program has “demonstrated its commitment to educational standards and ethical business practices indicative of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement that enhances the physical therapy profession.”

“Receiving accreditation for the orthopedic physical therapy residency program aligns with our department’s strategic plan for post-professional education expansion and allows direct engagement with the progression of health education as new graduates begin to enter specialist practice,” said Brian A. Young, PT, DSc, Interim Chair for the Department of Physical Therapy at Baylor University. “Furthermore, this supports the Health initiative under Baylor University’s Illuminate strategic focus as we at Baylor look to lead in transformative health education for our local community and beyond.”