Clinical Residency in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (CROPT)
This past year Columbia University’s Program in Physical Therapy has welcomed two participants into the newly established Clinical Residency in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (CROPT). Having achieved “candidacy” status in the summer of 2019, Dr. Amy Claypool and Dr. Karlie Gross became pioneers in helping establish this program that will ultimately lead to accreditation.
The 12-month learner-centered clinical residency curriculum takes a patient-centered clinical approach with the residents practicing at either of our affiliates, SPEAR Physical Therapy or New York Presbyterian Hospital. The residents spend the majority of their time in clinic managing patients with a variety of musculoskeletal impairments with guided development of relevant didactic knowledge on campus. Additionally, residents develop their knowledge and abilities through:
Serving as lab/teaching assistants in the entry level program for curriculum that is orthopedic based (kinesiology and biomechanics, as well as orthopedics).
Reviewing the literature as it relates to common, as well as some obscure musculoskeletal problems that might be seen in clinic.
Gaining experience in presenting patient cases to entry level students, presenting the current evidence in various areas (i.e. evidence for concussion recovery).
One-on-one clinical mentorship by experienced clinicians in their field to assist in improving their direct patient care skills.
Dr. Mike Johnson and Dr. Christopher Kevin Wong serve as the primary faculty. They facilitate the learner-centered approach, allowing the residents to have input into the path they follow to completion of the residency. Weekly academic sessions with residents allow for “deep dive” discussions on clinical practice guidelines, hands on skill or lab-work, and finally, “What is ADVNANCED practice?”
Most importantly, the CROPT program has been so successful only with the Herculean efforts of the clinic and executive teams at SPEAR Physical Therapy and New York Presbyterian Hospital. Several months of planning and establishing unique clinical positions for Dr. Claypool and Dr. Gross has allowed the residency to provide excellent learning environments for each resident. Especially since early March, when clinical operations were significantly altered, both affiliate sites were able to continue support of the residents and has led to unique experiences in their overall clinical education.
The next cohort of residents is already ready and waiting. We plan to bring in two more residents to start in early September. CROPT will continually strive to provide excellent clinical education as well as unique teaching options for clinicians to get out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves professionally and intellectually.