Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency
Program Type: Military Medical Center
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Accredited: Yes, initial accreditation from the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education through January 2027
Program Length: 12 months
Required Pre-Requisite Training: Completion of accredited DPT program and USAF Officer Training School
Total Approved Complement: 4
Program Phone Number: 210-292-5040
Program Email: dha.jbsa.brooke-amc.list.saushec-orthopt@health.mil
Program Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Program Description
This fellowship is dedicated to training Clinical Health Psychologists as integral assets to Air Force readiness. Our program focuses on equipping clinicians to optimize the physical and mental health of Airmen throughout their military careers. Fellows develop advanced skills in addressing the unique challenges faced by military personnel, including those related to operational demands.
By emphasizing evidence-based practices and a deep understanding of the military environment, we prepare psychologists to enhance Airmen's resilience, performance, and overall well-being. Fellows gain expertise in managing common operational stressors such as sleep disturbances, physical health, and pain, while also developing a comprehensive approach to the psychological impact of combat-related injuries and experiences. Our graduates are prepared to provide clinical care, conduct research, and contribute to policy development within the military healthcare system. With a strong foundation in both clinical health psychology, behavioral sleep medicine, and military culture, our fellows are uniquely positioned to support the mission of the Air Force by fostering a mentally robust and mission-ready force.
Mission & Vision
Mission
To provide superior, comprehensive, specialized training and mentorship for the advancement of clinical practice by military physical therapists to maximize deployment readiness and improve health outcomes related to the area of orthopedic physical therapy.
Vision
To be the premiere training platform for new United States Air Force Physical Therapists, thus being a conduit to higher educational opportunities and specialized assignments within military practice.
Curriculum & Schedules
Didactics are scheduled twice a week. During this time lecture/discussions/and resident-led presentations occur. There is also substantial time dedicated to lab and one-on-one feedback for manual skills.
Over the course of the 12 months, there are opportunities to participate in national-level research, support military training operations, and attend additional USAF PT training courses. Throughout the year, lessons are set aside to address military-specific implications of physical therapy, such as treating pilots and ground-based operators, as well as military-specific organizational leadership.
Participating Sites
Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and Chapman Training Annex
Applicant Information & Interview Guidance
Candidates for the Residency are considered with all the USAF PT Accession Board application packages. Applicants with less than 18 months of clinical experience and excellent overall performance are selected by the Board members and offered a place in the Residency. The number to residents is determined by the USAF Health Profession Education Review Board and may change from year to year. The three-year average is four residents per year. Interested parties cannot currently apply through PTCAS and must apply to the USAF PT Accession Board. Thus, it is possible to be selected for an active-duty billet without being selected for the Residency.
The USAF is looking for candidates with a track-record of high academic performance and leadership. The Board also places high value in the desire to serve our Nation in the USAF, an approachability during a telephone interview. The USAF needs well-rounded leaders with a desire to serve and provide excellent care!
Program graduates are immediately eligible to sit for the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist Exam. This exam is offered annually, usually in March. Please see the ABPTS website for further details.
Teaching Opportunities
In the last quarter of the program, Residents will have the opportunity to mentor U.S. Army-Baylor students and interns.
Faculty and Mentorship
All faculty are board-certified in orthopaedics, with some holding an additional board certification in Sports, as well as being a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
Each resident is required to have a minimum of 150 one-on-one mentored hours.
Contact Us
USAF Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency Program
Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center
1100 Wilford Hall Loop
Joint Base San Antonio—Lackland, TX 78236-9908
Location: PT, OT, and Orthotics Clinic 3rd Floor, Wing C
Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Wednesdays open at 9:30 a.m.)
Phone: 210-292-5040
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