Together with SSM Health Physical Therapy, Saint Louis University offers a 12-month physical therapy orthopedic residency with numerous opportunities for licensed physical therapists to develop as advanced clinicians; to develop as educators; to produce and disseminate scholarly products; and to grow as a provider to the area's underserved population
Our mission is graduate physical therapists who embody the ideals of excellence through advanced integration of evidence into practice, enhanced clinical decision making and reflective patient care within orthopedic physical therapy.
The program advances licensed physical therapists in their orthopedics knowledge, skills and attributes, as described by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education Description of Residency Practice and the . It involves both classroom learning and psychomotor instruction at Saint Louis University and SSM Health Physical Therapy in face-to-face, online and small-group formats.
We have been accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) since 2014. We accept external applicants and internal applicants (current employees of SSM Health Physical Therapy).
Program highlights include:
- Direct 1:1 clinical mentoring and thorough preparation for the ABPTS OCS exam
- Compensation (including full-time employee benefits) for non-mentored hours of patient care
- Dedicated, focused pathways in an area of interest culminating in a scholarly product
- Participation as a lab instructor in SLU's entry-level physical therapy program
- Small group classroom and manual skills instruction, facilitated discussion and journal club
- Opportunities for clinic rounding, surgery observation and grand rounds with physicians
SLU-SSM Health Orthopedic Residency and Fellowship Financial Fact Sheet
Program Faculty
- Chris Sebelski, PT, D.P.T., Ph.D., OCS, CSCS, Program Director
- Jill Eveker Imgarten, PT, D.P.T., OCS, CSMT, Associate Program Director
- Pam Abbott, PT, D.P.T., OCS
- Emily Britt, PT, D.P.T., OCS
- Amanda Chumley, PT, M.P.T., COMT
- Gabby Falciano, PT, D.P.T., OCS, ATC
- Ann Hayes, PT, D.P.T., OCS
- William Kelly, PT, OCS
- Dawn Kennedy, PT, D.P.T., OCS, FAAOMPT
- Mike Markee, PT, D.P.T., Ph.D., OCS, COMT, ATC
- Lindsay Noesen, PT, D.P.T., OCS
- Karyle Pendleton, PT, D.P.T., OCS
- Claire Pershing, PT, D.P.T., OCS, ATC
- Randy Richter, PT, Ph.D.
- Brent Schade, PT, D.P.T., OCS
- Jennifer Smith, PT, M.S.P.T., OCS
- Annette Tulley, PT, D.P.T., Cert. MDT
- Karen Vespa, PT, M.P.T., OCS
- Barb Yemm, PT, D.P.T., OCS
Curriculum
Our curriculum exceeds the standards of ABPTRFE accreditation. The program includes 1,500 hours of non-mentored patient care, for which you will be paid. Below are highlights of the experiences and opportunities of the program that set us apart and maximizes the strength of the partnership between SLU and SSM Health Physical Therapy:
- 150 hours of 1:1 clinical mentoring during patient care sessions
- A minimum of 30 hours providing pro-bono services to the St. Louis community
- A minimum of 50 hours spent as a lab instructor or facilitator in SLU's entry-level D.P.T. program
- A minimum of 300 hours educational hours via face-to-face didactic, small group, and manual skills instruction
- Up to 50 hours of clinical observation (physician shadowing, surgery observation)
- Individualized exploration in specialty topics such as teaching, social justice, research or orthopedics in the geriatric population
Individualized Exploration
While our residents always have the option to explore based on their individual interests, we have identified two pathways that strongly emphasize the resources of Saint Louis University and SSM Health Physical Therapy.
Education Pathway
Working with the Saint Louis University Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, the resident will:
- Participate in courses for the Foundations Certificate in University Teaching Skills
- Earn Foundations in University Teaching Certificate (if requirements are met)
- Interact with award-winning teachers in the Program in Physical Therapy
- Explicitly be involved in a variety of entry-level DPT courses as an observer, lab instructor and lecturer
- Be involved as a clinical educator within a pro-bono environment
- Emphasize education research through readings and scholarship
Social Justice Pathway
Working directly with the Physical Therapy Clinic, the resident will:
- Participate in courses focused on interprofessional education
- Engage in specific activities to explore the influence of the Jesuit mission in clinical practice
- Be involved within a pro-bono environment focusing on all aspects of the clinic: administration, management, volunteerism and clinical practice
- Emphasize social justice and service to the underserved through readings and scholarship
Curriculum Discussion Topics and Seminars
- Visual analysis of human movement
- Clinical reasoning/differential diagnosis
- Patient-centered interviewing
- Evidence-based practice
- Physical examination and manual treatment procedures**
- Pain science
- Spirituality
- Lumbo-pelvic regions
- Knee and lower leg regions
- Hip and thigh regions
- Thoracic spine/ribs/chest regions
- Cervical spine/TMJ regions
- Shoulder/scapulothoracic regions
- Elbow/wrist/hand regions
**Coursework is regionally based and will be taught through small group facilitation, journal club, psychomotor skills and lecture. All courses include mobilization/manipulation where appropriate.
Scholarly Products
- Lanty A, Sebelski C. Patient Reported Outcomes for the Female Athlete with Urinary Incontinence: A Scoping Review. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. Feb 2024, Boston MA Poster presentation.
- Wilson A, Noesen L, Sebelski C. Exploring the Integration of Social Determinants of Health across HealthcareEducation Curriculum: A Scoping Review. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. Feb 2024, Boston MA Poster presentation.
- Elston A, Falciano G, Sebelski C. Master Adaptive Learner Model Applied across the Continuum of theDevelopment of the Physical Therapist. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. Feb 2024, Boston MA Poster presentation.
- Carroll J, Ponce J, Sebelski C. Knowledge Translation and Implementation of Health Promotion and Wellness within International Physiotherapy Practice. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. Feb 2024, Boston MA Poster presentation.
- Mulhearn B, Sebelski C. Urgent! Are Healthcare Providers Prepared to Meet the Needs of the LGBTQ+Community? APTA Combined Sections Meeting. Feb 2024, Boston MA Poster presentation.
- Lanty A, Rhein B, Sebelski C, Yemm B. Putting It on the Map: Pelvic Health Delivery Creates Safety-Net for Region's Underserved. Journal of Women’s & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. 47 (1), 2023.
- Owoeye, O. B., Paz, J., & Emery, C. A. (2023). Injury severity at the time of sport-related ankle sprain is associated with symptoms and quality of life in young adults after 3–15 years. Annals of Medicine, 55(2), 2292777.
- Wilson S, Sebelski C. Physical Health and Wellness in Older Adults – an Exploration of Community Fitness Resources. Poster Presentation. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. San Diego, CA 2023
- Paz J, Sebelski C, Emery C, Owoeye O. Severity of Youth Ankle Injury Is Associated with Ankle Symptoms, Pain, and Quality of Life. Poster Presentation. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. San Diego, CA 2023
- Modde B, Sebelski C. Job Satisfaction, Retention, Burnout, and Turnover. How Are Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists Surviving? Poster Presentation. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. San Diego, CA 2023
- Reinking, M. F., Carson, N. M., End, B. M., Miller, O. K., Munter, J. D., & McPoil, T. G. (2021). Differences in Lower Extremity Kinematics Between High School Cross-Country and Young Adult Recreational Runners. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 16(1), 106.
- Tailor H, Kimbrough M, Chansamone C, Sebelski CA. Diversity, Equity Inclusion: The evolution of education as patient populations and generation Z drive change. Platform presentation. Combined Sections of the American Physical Therapy Association. San Antonio TX. 2022
- Kimbrough M, Sebelski CA. Closing the gap: Evidence Informed Education Aimed at Improving Healthcare of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities. Poster Presentation. Combined Sections of the American Physical Therapy Association. San Antonio TX. 2022
- Chansamone C, Sebelski CA. Diversity Equity Inclusion: The evolution of education as patient populations and generation Z drive change. Platform Presentation. Combined Sections of the American Physical Therapy Association. San Antonio TX. 2022
- Imgarten J, Ponce J, Sebelski C. Embracing Consensus? Investigating the Impact within Literature for Rehabilitation of Patients with Rotator Cuff Repair. APTA VIRTUAL Combined Sections Meeting, 2021. Platform presentation.
- Ludwig M, Sebelski C. Evidence-informed Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. APTA VIRTUAL Combined Sections Meeting, 2021. Poster presentation.
- Garland J, Yemm B, Carter S, Ludwig M, Sebelski C. Orthopedic Residency Program Involvement in Pro Bono Physical Therapy: Escalating and Elevating Outcomes. The VIRTUAL Pro Bono Network Conference, 2020. Live educational session.
- Baker, J. Sebelski, C. Evidence Informed Rehabilitation of Tibial Stress Injuries. Poster presentation for APTA Combined Sections Conference in Denver, CO, 2020.
- Pershing, C. Sebelski, C. Evidence Informed Rehabilitation of Medial Patellofemoral Reconstruction and Repair. Poster presentation for APTA Combined Sections Conference in Denver, CO, 2020.
- Judice, G. Sebelski, C. (2018) A review of pitching kinematics at the moment of foot contact in youth baseball: 2007-2017. Poster presentation at APTA Combined Sections, New Orleans, LA.
- Kays, A. Sebelski, C. (2018) A deeper understanding: Choosing an exercise self-efficacy scale for college aged wellness clients. Poster presentation at APTA Combined Sections, New Orleans, LA.
- Allison, J. Sebelski, C. (2017) Manual therapy interventions for adolescent to collegiate-aged individuals with post-concussion disorder: a rapid review. 2016. Poster presentation at World Congress in South Africa 2017.
- Allison, J. Sebelski, C. (2017) Manual therapy interventions for adolescent to collegiate-aged individuals with post-concussion disorder: a rapid review. 2016. Poster presentation at APTA Combined Sections, San Antonio, TX.
Sample Weekly Schedule
| Day | A.M. | P.M. |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Entry-level Teaching | Clinical Practice (non-mentored) |
| Tuesday | Clinical Practice (non-mentored) | Physician Shadowing |
| Wednesday | Residency Instruction | Clinical Practice (non-mentored) |
| Thursday | Clinical Practice (with a mentor) | Clinical Practice (non-mentored) |
| Friday | Clinical Practice (non-mentored) | Clinical Practice (non-mentored) |
Collaborations
- ACLR Rehabilitation (PDF)
- Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Rehabilitation (PDF)
- Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction/Repair (PDF)
- Post-Surgical Meniscal Repair Rehabilitation (PDF)
- SLUCare Physical Therapy Protocols
Frequently Asked Questions
The initial deadline for the 2023-2024 cohort is December 22, 2022, with a rolling admission after the first round of application interviews.
We participate in the Residency/Fellowship Centralized Application Service (RF-PTCAS). Visit for more information. The 2023-2024 cohort admissions cycle starts October 1.
The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program is an accredited residency in the heart of the Midwest. It offers you the unique opportunity to be mentored by experts in two different facilities, instruct in SLU's entry-level physical therapy program, and participate in pro bono services to the St. Louis community. The partnership between the two facilities provides access to numerous resources, clinical experiences and expertise in a variety of settings for orthopedic patient care.
Yes. Residents in this program are considered full-time, benefited SSM Health Physical Therapy employees. They are paid a competitive rate for their non-mentored hours of patient care and their role in the entry-level courses at the SLU physical therapy program.
Residents who were not current SSM Health Physical Therapy employees upon acceptance to the Program practice for approximately six months at each of the two locations: SSM Health Physical Therapy and Saint Louis University's Physical Therapy Clinic. Residents who were current SSM Health Physical Therapy employees upon acceptance to the Program practice at their home clinic within SSM Health Physical Therapy.
The American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education states: "The residency experience combines opportunities for ongoing mentoring and formal and informal feedback to the physical therapist resident, including required written and live-patient practical examinations, with a foundation in scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice and course work designed to provide a theoretical basis for advanced practice. A residency program must be completed within a minimum of 1,500 hours, including a minimum of 150 hours of one-to-one mentoring and a minimum of 75 hours of didactic training completed between nine to 36 months within the specialty area of practice. A fellowship program allows a therapist to subspecialize in an area of practice and must be completed with a minimum of 1,000 hours and between six to 36 months."
Our graduates report consistent, long-term engagement in the advancement of the profession and their own commitment to life-long learning. We celebrate a 100% on-time graduation rate. Our first-time pass rate is 89.5% (17/19) for our graduates who sit for the ABPTS . Our overall pass rate is 100% for those who choose to take the exam a second time. As highlighted, we are committed to ongoing collaborations with other healthcare providers including SLUCare physicians. Our graduates publish and/or present at national / international conferences from their scholarly products during the residency. We have a 78.9% (15/19) acceptance / publication rate of our graduates.
We participate in the Residency/Fellowship Centralized Application Service (RF-PTCAS). Visit for more information.
The expected requirements for the application to be considered include:
- Graduate of an accredited physical therapy program
- Proof of licensure as a physical therapist and a MO license by the start of the program
- Three letters of recommendation (one from an academic physical therapist, one from a clinician, and one of the applicant's choosing)
- Official DPT transcripts (submitted through the RF-PTCAS system)
- Comply with the SSM Health Physical Therapy and Saint Louis University employment requirements
- Complete and accurate submission of the RF-PTCAS application
Applications are initially reviewed by the program director and associate director. Invitations are extended to a select number of applicants for an in-person, on-site interview with residency faculty members. Web conference interviews are possible if necessary.
Recent graduates of accredited physical therapy programs are eligible to apply, as are physical therapists who are new to orthopedics and interested in one-on-one mentoring.
Two to four residents are accepted each year.
It is a 12-month program, typically beginning in early August.
Applicants can hold a bachelor's, master's or doctor of physical therapy degree.
Yes. Our curriculum is developed from the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education Description of Residency Practice and the . An emphasis is placed on the concepts and knowledge necessary for the OCS exam.
Yes, a personal interview with the faculty of the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Residency Program is a requirement of the application process for invited applicants.
Typically, yes. However, different lenders may have different policies. Check with your specific lender regarding your individual account and its management.
Residents are expected to demonstrate success in patient management including a productive caseload per guidelines of SSM Health PT, written and oral exams, and practical examinations with patients. Additionally, the SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Residents complete clinical case presentations, a presentation to local colleagues, revisions of rehab guidelines with SLUCare physicians, and a scholarly product.
Yes. You must have a Missouri state physical therapy license before beginning the residency in August.
Residents are expected to be a member of the APTA. Expenses include living, transportation, parking, APTA membership and conference fees. Learning materials such as additional texts, independent study course modules, computer access and suitable professional clothing should also be expected expenses.
SLU-SSM Health Orthopedic Residency and Fellowship Financial Fact Sheet