St. Luke's University Health Network Orthopaedic Residency

Learn about this program:

St. Luke's University Health Network Orthopaedic Residency strives to promote and enhance the profession of orthopaedic physical therapy to deliver the highest quality, patient-centered care to help patients live more productive lives and be the provider of choice in the communities we serve.

• Program application deadline: rolling
• Program start date: July 1 and January 1
• Program duration: 1 year
• Number of resident/fellow openings per cohort: 4
• Tuition cost: $15,000 and tuition reimbursement is available

Contact:

501 Cetronia Rd #145
Allentown, PA 18104

Program Website

https://www.stlukesphysicaltherapy.com/join-us/orthopaedic-residency

Main Contact:

Jeffrey N. Bays, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT
Jeffrey.bays@sluhn.org
484-426-2546

• Is there a salary or stipend? Yes
  • If yes, what salary can the resident expect?
    We pay 100% of a PT salary and full tuition reimbursement is available.
     
• Are there benefits? Yes
  • If yes, what are they?
    We offer competitive health care benefits and paid time off.
     
• Is there housing assistance? No

• Clinical mentorship information:
  4-5 hours of 1-on-1 in-person mentoring weekly.
   
• What is a distinguishing feature or selling point of your program?
  The St. Luke's University Health Network Orthopaedic Residency strives to promote and enhance the profession of orthopaedic physical therapy. Our program is designed to emphasize 1 on 1 mentoring and interprofessional collaboration throughout our large network of medical providers including over 50 board-certified specialists in orthopaedic physical therapy.
   
• Is there the ability to work with a specialized population(s)? Yes.
  • If yes, what populations(s)?
    Performing arts, High school teams, spine pain.

Faculty and Resident-in-training Spotlight

Spotlighted Faculty:

• What is your role within the program?
  "Associate Program Director"
   
• What separates this program from others like it?
  "This program strives to develop leaders in the field of orthopaedic physical therapy through our focus on 1 on 1 in person mentoring that utilizes a diverse group of board certified clinicians. We have numerous opportunities for inter-professional collaboration throughout out large network that helps elevate the practice of physical therapy."
   
• Why do you think advanced orthopedic training through residency and fellowship is important?
  "A residency will allow for improved clinical reasoning and psychomotor development at the expert level which will foster improved patient care and outcomes."
   
• Please share a little-known, fun fact that others may be surprised to learn about you.
  "My wife and I have 2 children and I competed at the national level in Adventure Racing."

Spotlighted Resident-in-training : 

• What type of population are you working with at your program?
  "I have been working with the outpatient orthopaedic population throughout my residency. This has allowed me to be exposed to a variety of diagnoses, ages, and cultural backgrounds. I have also had the opportunity to start a program for patients with chronic pain."
   
• Why did you select this program?
  "I was really drawn to St. Luke's Orthopedic Residency because of their hands-on classroom time and mentorship program. Each week we receive four hours of in-person lab and lecture which assists in improving our clinical practice. Additionally, each week we receive mentoring from an Orthopedic Certified Specialist. This is a very valuable opportunity to review cases I may be struggling with and learn new manual techniques. From what I have seen, it's these components that really makes St. Luke's Orthopedic Residency stand out."
   
• Why did you pursue advanced orthopedic training through residency/fellowship?
  "There are two main reasons I decided to pursue an orthopedic residency. The first being; I don't believe I would be doing my patients justice without it. I feel as though I have learned skills over the last year that have helped me build therapeutic alliance sooner and get patients better quicker. Additionally, and more selfishly perhaps; I want to be a preferred provider within my region. I believe participating in this residency enables me with the opportunity to accomplish this goal much faster."
   
• How do you think residency/fellowship will change your career trajectory going forward?
  "I believe my confidence and skill set has grown exponentially over the last year, which is something I will carry with me for the rest of my career. My career growth has also been expedited as I have already had the opportunity to develop a program at my clinic."
   
• Please share a little-known, fun fact that others may be surprised to learn about you.
  "I have had the opportunity to play soccer in Europe on three different occasions."