Hand and Upper Extremity Occupational Therapy Fellowship Program

The Hand and Upper Extremity Occupational Therapy Fellowship at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) is a tuition-free 12-month advanced training program designed to develop expert occupational therapists specializing in upper extremity rehabilitation for Veterans. As the largest VA Healthcare System in Pennsylvania, VAPHS offers a robust learning environment with level-1a complexity and a network of over a dozen established training programs.

Develop advanced-practice occupational therapists who demonstrate exceptional clinical reasoning, technical proficiency, and evidence-based expertise in the evaluation and treatment of upper extremity conditions, meeting AOTA Fellowship Program Requirements. 

• Weekly 1:1 mentorship, regular feedback, and progressive responsibility
• Opportunity to gain experience in academia via affiliation with the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Occupational Therapy
• Interprofessional collaboration with surgical teams while receiving education of managing hand and upper extremity conditions
• Interdisciplinary lectures, journal clubs, professional development, and preparation for the Certified Hand Therapy (CHT) exam
• Receive monetary stipend and VA benefits for duration of program
• Participation in national conferences for intraprofessional networking and professional development
• Nationally recognized Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) programs offer additional interdisciplinary training 
   

1. Advanced Clinical Reasoning and Differential Assessment:

• Develop the ability to perform comprehensive, evidence-based assessments for complex hand and upper extremity conditions by integrating anatomy, biomechanics, sensory and motor evaluations, pain science, functional analysis, and psychosocial aspects to formulate precise problem lists and individualize treatment plans.

2. Mastery of Advanced Intervention Techniques:

• Ensure proficiency in advanced therapeutic interventions, including manual therapy techniques, neuromuscular re-education, functional strengthening, edema and scar management, task-oriented retraining and sensory re-education demonstrating safe, effective and Veteran-centered treatment plans.   

3. Competency in Custom Orthosis Fabrication and Management: 

• Develop expert level competency in designing, fabricating, fitting, and adjusting custom orthoses for a wide range of diagnoses (e.g., tendon repairs, fractures, nerve injuries, arthritic conditions), while applying biomechanical principles, provide comprehensive orthosis education, and care plans. 

4. Interprofessional Collaboration and Case Management: 

• Prepare the fellows to effectively collaborate with plastic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, certified hand therapists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals demonstrating excellent communication, shared decision-making and consistently contributing to interdisciplinary case management. 

5. Professional Scholarship and Clinical Leadership: 

• Cultivate the ability to advance the profession through scholarly contributions including quality improvement projects, journal clubs, protocol development, and evidence dissemination while demonstrating leadership in clinical education, ethical practice and Veteran advocacy.  

6. Operational Goal: 

• The fellowship will remain sustainable and maintain high quality standards set by the AOTA accreditation while contributing to organizational excellence within VAPHS.    
   

• August 9, 2027- August 4, 2028

• US Citizen
• Graduate of an occupational therapy educational program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or World Federation of Occupational Therapists WFOT
• Licensed, or be eligible for licensure, which may be obtained from any state
• Successful completion of NBCOT Board examination prior to the first day of the program
• Evidence of hand therapy interest and pursuit of additional training/experiences in this specialty 

Applications are due by April 2, 2027. Candidates will be reviewed to determine all qualifications are met. Qualified candidates will then be invited to interview via Microsoft Teams.