The American Physical Therapy Association has accredited Fox Rehabilitation, Cherry Hill, NJ, to offer a new, post-graduate residency training program exclusively in geriatrics. Fox Rehabilitation issued a statement noting it is the only private physical therapy practice in the nation to receive this designation.
Participants will provide patient care, receive one-on-one clinical mentoring with Fox Rehabilitation professionals, and spend time on a variety of active learning experiences with faculty from Thomas Jefferson University and Temple University, both in Philadelphia.
To provide varied and interdisciplinary learning, including such fields as orthotics, prosthetics, wound care, and advanced seating and positioning, Fox has also partnered with Allied Orthotics & Prosthetics, Wound Healing Solutions, and Mid-Atlantic Medical.
The aim is to create expert clinicians, vigorous leaders, contributors, and advocates for the physical therapy profession in geriatrics. "I want geriatric physical therapy practice to gain the momentum and recognition that orthopedic and sports physical therapy practice has done in the past," said Fox Rehabilitation CEO Tim Fox, PT, DPT, GCS, CCI, in a statement.
Participants will learn from Temple University experts on balance and cardiopulmonary disorders and visit the university’s Virtual Environment and Postural Orientation Laboratory. They’ll also spend time with Thomas Jefferson University faculty in neurology and orthopedics and explore the university’s Human Performance Laboratory and the Dissection Lab. The program lasts 12 to 15 months, depending on each clinician’s prior experience.
The residency has met the high standards and rigor required of an advanced training program for physical therapists in geriatrics, said J. Scott Straker of APTA. "As the first private practice to achieve this distinction in geriatric physical therapy, Fox Rehabilitation has demonstrated their commitment to promote a high level of service to their patients and to help advance the practice of physical therapy."
Applications for the residency will be accepted year round.
Fox Rehabilitation is a large private practice of geriatric physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.
[Source: Fox Rehabilitation]
