Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Progam
The VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) offers licensed physical therapists a year-long advanced practice residency in Geriatric Physical Therapy in partnership with the University of Maryland.
Our program offers an exciting and distinct geriatric specialty experience enriched by collaborative opportunities within our Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECCs), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Gerofit Program and the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences.
VAMHCS is a proud health care leader dedicated to world-class clinical care, education, and research that enhances Veteran outcomes. Each year, we see over 40,000 geriatric patients at our multi-site campus to offer residents a rich array of patient cases and health conditions. Area-specific geriatric care settings include: acute, outpatient, skilled nursing (community living centers), Home-based primary care, community wellness (Gerofit) and outpatient physical therapy at our Baltimore, Loch Raven, and Perry Point Medical Centers. Our integration of clinical rotations, experienced preceptors, and a solid didactic curriculum provides residents with comprehensive training to achieve their advanced physical therapy geriatric specialty goals and objectives.
Our program plans to offer full Resident employment for this year-long residency program which includes 150+ hours of 1:1 mentoring with clinical faculty, 300+ hours of learning activities, while independently managing a caseload of patients. Education will be tailored to the specific learning needs of the resident to ensure success in the program and beyond. This is a funded position with benefits.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This one-year Clinical Residency Program is designed to develop clinical specialists in Geriatric Physical Therapy to provide the highest level of care to aging Veterans through a full spectrum of care settings and acuity. Upon completion of the residency program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the ABPTS Geriatric Clinical Specialist certification exam. Residents will develop and build clinical skills, accumulate specialty knowledge and gain confidence to manage complex clinical scenarios common in the geriatric population. Residents will spend three months focused on acute care, specialty care clinics, and rehabilitation research, six months focused on wellness in chronic conditions including inpatient rehabilitation, skilled care, home tele-health, and Gerofit, and three months working in the outpatient therapy setting focused on whole health, mental health and psychosocial elements of care. Residents receive a structured week to include direct patient care, one-on-one mentoring, and self-study.
Length of Program: 12 months
Program Start Date: 08/03/2026
Salary and Benefits: VA salary and access to full-time employee benefits (11 paid federal; sick leave; annual leave; health insurance options)
Residency Staff and Faculty:
Susan Conroy, DSc.PT, GCS
Residency Program Director
Peter Glover, DPT
Rehabilitation manager, VAMHCS, Perry Point
Autumn Cohen, DPT, GCS
Residency Program Coordinator
Eric Hobby, DPT, GCS
Robert Scheeler, DPT, GCS
MISSION STATEMENT
To develop advanced geriatric physical therapy practitioners who provide the highest quality care to aging Veterans. Residents will integrate the teacher-scholar model into their clinical practice through mentorship with specialty clinicians, structured didactic and clinical learning experiences, and research and teaching opportunities to demonstrate a wholistic approach to aging healthcare. Graduates will serve as a resource and role model within their professional, academic and social community to contribute to the expanding body of evidence-based practice. This program supports the mission of the VA and practices continuous strategic improvement initiatives to promote a robust post-professional educational experience.
PROGRAM GOALS
- Promote specialty geriatric rehabilitation within the practice of Physical Therapy in the VA system that aligns and contributes to the VA Mission.
- Provide a diverse learning curriculum that promotes advanced clinical competence in Geriatric Physical Therapy that enables graduates to qualify and successfully pass the ABPTS exam for board certification in Geriatric Physical Therapy.
- Develop highly skilled and dedicated clinicians who contribute to the physical therapy profession and larger healthcare community.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
At this time, we do not have outcomes to report.
RESIDENT GOALS
- Exhibit proficiency with evidence-based evaluative and treatment strategies for advanced practice in Geriatric Physical Therapy.
- Demonstrate specialist-level clinical reason throughout the continuum of care and incorporate whole health principles into practice.
- Acquire, integrate and share best-evidence practice that spans the healthcare field to advance geriatric physical therapy management and education among patients, the interdisciplinary team, and the VA community.
- Demonstrate clinical, didactic, and professional skill competency to qualify and successfully pass the ABPTS exam for board certification in Geriatric Physical Therapy.
DIDACTIC CURRICULUM
Overview of Learning Unit Topics
Rotation 1: Acute Care-Foundational Sciences
- Anatomy/neuroanatomy
- Biology of aging
- Cellular Biology (phases of healing, change with aging, response to exercise)
- Physiology, pathophysiology, neurophysiology of aging
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Cardiovascular
- Pulmonary
- Interpretation of special tests, lab values, images
- Research Processes
- Movement sciences (kinematic and kinetic analysis)
Rotation 2: Rehabilitation--Wellness in chronic conditions
- Cognitive conditions (dementia, delirium, depression)
- Exercise physiology
- Critical inquiry for evidence-based practice
- Pathokinesiology and exercise prescription
- Frailty and sarcopenia
- Wound care and edema management
- Home health care
- Assistive technology and Environmental adaptations
- Prevention, Wellness and Health Promotion in Older Adults
- Successful Aging
Rotation 3: Outpatient--Whole Health Focus
- Psychology, psychopathology and psychosocial issues of aging
- Adult teaching, learning and communication
- Health literacy
- Consultation
- Interprofessional collaboration
- Patient management and advocacy
Residency Experiences
- Acute Care/ICU
- Community Living Center
- Home Based Primary Care
- Specialty Clinics
- University Engagement
- Wellness Programs (Gerofit)
- Telehealth Whole Health Programs (Tai Chi, Yoga, Kick-boxing, Tele-Prehabilitation, Tele-Gerofit)
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION
- US Citizenship
- Graduation from a CAPTE accredited program
- English language proficiency
- Unrestricted State Licensure to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the US or the District of Columbia, or demonstrated plan to achieve licensure before the start date of the residency
Contact
Susan S. Conroy, PT, DSc.PT, GCS
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service/PM&RS