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Women’s Health Physical Therapy Residency

Preparing PTs with specialized, advanced knowledge and skills

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The Parkview Women’s Health Physical Therapy residency is a 13-month clinical residency that begins in June of each year. The program allows residents to graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to excel as a women’s health specialist, with comprehensive clinical experiences treating women, men and pediatric clientele.

Working alongside board-certified women’s health clinical specialists and experienced faculty, the resident will have opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with urogynecology, obstetrics and gynecology, urology, colorectal, GI and pediatrics. The resident will have the opportunity to participate in professional discussions weekly at oncology tumor boards as well as collaborative rounding with other specialties and residents. The program includes the unique experience of clinical practice in a rural community hospital in addition to the specialty practice at Parkview Regional Medical Center.

The Parkview Women’s Health Therapy Residency program is an ABPTRFE accredited residency.

Program goals
  • The Parkview Women's Health Residency Program supports the mission of Parkview Health.
  • The Parkview Women's Health Residency Program maintains ABPTRFE accreditation.
  • The program is sustainable while providing high quality education.
  • Residents are provided with exceptional didactic and clinical learning experiences.
  • Residents demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and skill required for a specialist clinically practicing in women's health physical therapy.
  • Residents will successfully become leaders who contribute to the profession of women's health physical therapy.
Curriculum

The didactic curriculum includes 155 hours of a combination of in-person courses, off-site courses and online courses separated into the following modules:

  • Module A: Intro to Residency
  • Module B: Obstetrics and Postpartum
  • Module C: Orthopedic Considerations in the Male and Female Pelvis
  • Module D: Urinary Incontinence
  • Module E: Other Urinary Dysfunctions and Contributors (Neurogenic Bladder, Neurological disorders, Urogynecology and Pelvic Organ Prolapse)
  • Module F: Bowel Dysfunction
  • Module G: Pelvic Pain
  • Module H: Pediatric Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction
  • Module I: Lymphedema and Cancer
  • Module J: Autoimmune/Endocrine/Rheumatological Conditions

The integrated learning experiences include 133 hours of research activities, community and professional service, physician collaboration, surgical observations, participation in grand rounds and tumor boards, teaching opportunities (community presentations, professional in-services and DPT instruction).  

The resident’s clinical experiences and 150 hours of direct mentoring mirrors the modules to enhance learning.

Skills checks, assignments, case study reflections, quizzes, midterm and final exams serve as assessments to evaluate progress throughout the program. 

Program start and end dates

The Parkview Health Women's Health Physical Therapy Residency program begins in June of each year and ends in July of the following year, running for 13 months.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria by June of the year they apply:

  • Graduate from a CAPTE accredited physical therapy program.
  • Eligible to practice physical therapy in the state of Indiana.
  • Applicants must have earned their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or be in the final year of completing their DPT. Upon completion of the residency, the resident will then meet the requirements to take the WCS exam.
  • Submit a letter of recommendation.
  • Proof of continuing education course: Pelvic 1 through Academy of Pelvic Health or Herman & Wallace.
  • Pass a specific clinical interview by women's health therapist(s).
  • Meet all eligibility requirements for Parkview Health Hospital System.
  • Member of APTA and Academy of Pelvic Health.
  • Willingness to adhere to hospital guidelines on personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 safety procedures.
Application deadline

RFPTCAS applications open Oct. 1 of each year and close on March 1.

Selection process

Applicants are required to complete an online application. Final candidates will be chosen to participate in an interview.

Salary and benefits

Accepted residents will receive financial compensation and benefits equivalent to a 0.8 full-time employee.

Click here for our financial fact sheet.

Program staff

Christopher Rakoczy PT, DPT
Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist
Rehab Therapy Manager
Parkview Therapy Services Residency & Fellowship Residency Director

Margaret Bronson, PT, DPT
Board-certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist
Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy
Certified Orthopedic Manual Specialist
Supervisor, Parkview Outpatient Therapy: Women's/Pelvic Health & Oncology
Women’s Health Physical Therapy Residency Coordinator
Credentialed Clinical Instructor

Kara Peas, PT, DPT
Board-certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist
Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy
Certified Orthopedic Manual Specialist
Women's Health Physical Therapy Residency Clinical Mentor
Credentialed Clinical Instructor

Rachel Proctor, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist
Women's Health Physical Therapy Residency Clinical Mentor
Credentialed Clinical Instructor

Amy Biedenbach, PT, MHS
Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy
Women's Health Physical Therapy Residency Clinical Mentor
Credentialed Clinical Instructor

Program information and outcome data

For 2023–2024, the Parkview Women’s Health Physical Therapy residency program had a 100% graduation rate. The first-time pass rate on the women’s health specialty exam is 100%. Updated September 2024.

Apply today

Women's Health Physical Therapy Residency applications are open Oct. 1 to March 1.

Apply online today

For more information

Contact us for more information about our Women's Health Physical Therapy Residency.

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