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Mission & Goals

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Touro University Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program (OPTR) was developed to be congruent with the mission of the University, the mission of the School of Health Sciences (SHS), and the American Physical Therapy Association’s Orthopedic Physical Therapy Description of Specialty Practice (2001).  In keeping with the mission of Touro University and the Physical Therapy Department, the mission of the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program (OPTR) is to provide an opportunity for practicing Physical Therapist to continue professional development and career growth.  Furthermore, the mission is to encourage excellence in the specialty area of orthopedic physical therapy, maintaining high standards of reflective and ethical practice.

The goal of the curriculum is to develop a practitioner who has advanced skills in the treatment of individuals with complex orthopedic problems, practices in a manner which utilizes current scientific evidence and will be reflective of the criteria as described by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties for an Orthopedic Certified Specialist. As a multi-site program, our goal is to assure a consistent clinical practice and mentoring experience at all sites. 

    GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

    1. Provide an opportunity to study with recognized experts in Orthopedic Physical Therapy with an opportunity to receive objective feedback regarding their competencies in in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.
      Objectives: The program will:
      1. Provide didactic courses taught by instructors that are experts in their field as evidenced by their certifications and clinical experience.
      2. B: Provide clinical hours which are mentored by clinicians who are board certified in Orthopedics by the ABPTRFE as evidenced by their CV.
      3. C: Provide opportunities for feedback in the form of practical exams as well as mentoring sessions with didactic and clinical faculty.
    2. To provide an organized academic program focused on expanding the depth and breadth of knowledge and skill in the area of Orthopedic Physical Therapy.
      Objectives: The program will:
      1. Provide a comprehensive evidenced based curriculum which fosters critical thinking and problem solving as evidenced by performance at their clinical residency and worksite.
      2. Provide ongoing course / faculty assessment to evaluate the success of the curriculum.
      3. Monitor resident’s academic success in practical and written exams.
    3. To provide a supportive learning environment in the form of guided practice through a comprehensive mentoring program including clinical residency hours.
       Objectives: The program will:
      1. Provide 180 hours of one-on-one mentored hours at clinical sites that will provides learning experiences that explore all areas of orthopedic DSP.
      2. Provide guidelines in the form of a Clinical Residency Handbook for the clinical mentors, which protect the rights of the resident and the clinical site.
      3. Advocate self-assessment and promote self-improvement measures when indicated as part of the mentoring sessions.
    4. To foster clinical mentors who are skilled in educating adult learners and who demonstrate consistent mentoring in keeping with the program’s philosophy.
         Objectives: The program will:
      1. Providing on going assessment of the clinical mentors to assure consistency across the various clinical sites.
      2. Provide opportunities for the Clinical mentors such as continuing education courses and library access in order to help maintain and enhance their skills.
      3. Be a source of advice and guidance for the clinical mentor with all issues related to residency education through meetings, emails and phone conversations.
    5. To establish lines of communication with clinical residency sites which assures consistency in mentoring practices.
      Objectives: The program will:
      1. Fostering on-going communication with the clinical mentors through emails, phone calls and meetings.
      2. Observe and assess the mentoring process to establish consistency at each site.
      3. Review resident’s journal in order to monitor patient exposure and residents’ responsibilities.
    6. To provide consistency of program delivery among the various clinical residency sites through a rigorous selection process.
      Objectives: The program will:
      1. Provide ongoing mentoring and assessment of the clinical mentors by the Director of Clinical Education. –
      2. Review resident’s journal in order to monitor patient exposure and residents’ responsibilities.
      3. Communicate goals and objectives of the program to the Clinical Mentors in ongoing meetings.
    7. To prepare Physical Therapists of the challenges for a changing health care system by making them more efficient and effective clinicians.
      Objectives: The program will:
      1. Monitor resident’s skills at their work setting and in the clinical residency facility.
      2. Review feedback from the Clinical Mentors regarding resident’s level of skill, intervening when necessary.
      3. Engage residents in discussion and debate of pertinent issues in relation to physical therapy as part of online Clinical Mentoring course.
    8. To prepare the Physical Therapist to sit and pass the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Exam in the area of Orthopedic Certified Specialist.
      Objectives: The program will:
      1. Provide relevant information through on-line mentoring course that is related to CPG & CPM as evidenced by successful completion of assignments.
      2. Provide a comprehensive curriculum which prepares the resident for the OCS exam as evidenced by the resident passing the OCS exam.
      3. Provide a review course and practice test which helps prepare the resident for the OCS exam as evidenced by the resident passing the OCS exam.