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Orthopedic Residency

Therapy Partners Group University Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency (formally Bodycentral) is a 15-month program that includes both didactic and clinical training, as well as extensive mentoring. 

Orthopedic Residency participants are provided with additional training, didactic teaching, and coaching in the clinic to allow them to focus on each resident’s unique requirements. The curriculum is also structured to help therapists pass the American Physical Therapy Board of Specialists Orthopedic Physical Therapy Certification exam

Description

The mission of the Therapy Partners Group University Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program is to provide post-professional development opportunities for physical therapists desiring to receive Board Certification in the area of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and advance clinical orthopedic skills.  The program will encourage the development and enhancement of advanced manual therapy skills, the evidence-based rationale for treatments, and clinical reasoning to allow the resident to evaluate and treat orthopedic-specific issues throughout their lifespan.

Our program’s goal is to develop the upcoming leaders of the Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Profession.  We plan to ignite the passion for physical therapy in our residents and promote the profession through education, leadership, and community service. 

 Goals: 

  • Provide residents with advanced training in Orthopedic Physical Therapy Description of Residency Practice. 
  • Allow mentors to enhance their expertise through focused and planned instruction with the resident. 
  • Promote holistic care of the patient and develop connections with referral sources to best support your patients.  
  • Produce clinicians, mentors, and educators to assume leadership roles in Physical Therapy. 
  • Foster involvement in community outreach and educational programs. 
  • Provide opportunities to develop teaching and mentoring skills. 

 

Location

The Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency currently has approved sites in Tucson, Arizona.

Each year the sports physical therapy residency is anticipated to have additional sites. Please make sure to contact us for specific locations.

Faculty

Orthopedic Residency Director

Melissa Buss, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT

Melissa Buss, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT

Melissa Buss, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT-LANA, SFDN – Residency Coordinator
    • Education
      • Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh, Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
      • Graduate School: University of Pittsburgh, Doctorate in Physical Therapy
      • Women’s Health Residency Training: UPMC Women’s Rehab and Men’s Health Residency
    • Certifications
      • Board Certified Women’s Clinical Specialist
      • Certified Lymphedema Therapist – LANA Certified
      • Structure and Function Certified Dry Needler
    • Area(s) of Expertise
      • Pelvic floor
      • Hip
      • Sacroiliac joint
      • Spine
    • Favorite area of the body or diagnosis to treat
      • Pregnant and postpartum
    • Hobbies outside of the Clinic
      • Reading, singing with Arizona Repertory Singers, Children’s Ministry at Second Mile, Loving Tucson and showing people around the place that she loves
    • Primary Clinic Location
      • BodyCentral Swan

Residency Coordinator

Jennifer Allen, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, CHT

Jennifer Allen, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, CHT

Jennifer Allen, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, CHT
    • Education
      • Undergraduate: Shepherd University, Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology
      • Graduate School: West Virginia University School of Medicine, Doctorate in Physical Therapy
    • Certifications
      • Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
      • Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
      • Certified Hand Therapist
      • Dry needling - SFDN
    • Area(s) of Expertise
      • Upper Extremity
      • Baseball/Softball
      • Lower Chain Biomechanics
      • Foot and Ankle
      • Chronic Pain
    • Favorite area of the body or diagnosis to treat
      • Biomechanical overload problems
    • Hobbies outside of the Clinic
      • Guitars
    • Primary Clinic Location
      • Global
Samantha Beeman, PT, DPT, OCS

Samantha Beeman, PT, DPT, OCS

Tonya Bunner, PT, DPT, OCS, WCS, BCD-PMD

Tonya Bunner, PT, DPT, OCS, WCS, BCD-PMD

  • Graduated from Old Dominion University with PT
  • Graduated from AT Stills University with DPT
  • I teach the Lumbar/ Sacroiliac and Biofeedback Foundations Modules within the residency.
  • "Pelvic Health has given me the greatest sorrow and joy over the past 22 years. I have cried, laughed, and celebrated milestones in my patients' lives. It has been a true honor to serve this population. It is about my patient and their needs and working with them to accomplish their goals."
  • Outside of the Residency Tonya is a Senior Diplomat and Mentor/ Instructor for Biofeedback Certification Institute of America, Instructor and Creator of Advanced Concepts Pelvic Floor and Lumbopelvic Health Complex, Instructor and Creator of Foundations of Pelvic Health for Therapy Partners Group, and is the co-founder.
Mat Wise, PT, MPT, OCS

Mat Wise, PT, MPT, OCS

Mat Wise, PT, MPT, OCS – Regional Director of Operations for BodyCentral Physical Therapy
    • Education
      • Undergraduate: University of Maryland University College
      • Graduate School: University of Pittsburgh
    • Certifications
      • Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
      • ImPACT Trained Physical Therapist
      • TPI Certified
      • Dry needling trained in lumbar and lower extremities
    • Area(s) of Expertise
      • Musculoskeletal/Orthopedic Injuries
      • Post-Operative Care
      • Sports Injuries
    • Favorite area of the body or diagnosis to treat
      • Shoulder/Upper Extremity
      • Knee/Lower Extremity
    • Hobbies outside of the Clinic
      • Golf
    • Primary Clinic Location
      • BodyCentral Harrison

Secondary Mentor and Module Presenters

T. Steve Mills, PTA, CPT

T. Steve Mills, PTA, CPT

Talmadge Mills is a graduate of pima medical institute, as well as university of Colorado boulder. He has 20+ years’ experience in strength and conditioning field as a trainer and coach, as well as 6 years as a PTA. Talmadge was the co-owner and founder of Life Changer fitness, a private training facility that specialized in power lifting, and tactical athletes. He additionally has a rich background in combat sports including 20+ years’ experience in Muay Thai, Jiu jitsu, and wrestled through college. He has trained and competed in power lifting as well. Through his career he has trained and coach high level athletes in all spectrums of sport.

Secondary Mentor and Module Presenters

Kristen Waldron, PT, DPT, SCS

Kristen Waldron, PT, DPT, SCS

Kristen Waldron, PT, DPT, SCS – Sports Residency Director and Upper Extremity Athlete Coordinator
    • Education
      • Undergraduate: Bradley University, Bachelor of Science
      • Graduate School: Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, Doctorate in Physical Therapy
      • Sports Residency Training: Gundersen Health System
    • Certifications
      • Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
      • Emergency Responder for the Athlete
      • ImPACT Certified Physical Therapist
      • Dry Needling Certified – Structure and Function Level 1 and 2
      • APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor
    • Area(s) of Expertise
      • Upper Extremity Athletes
      • ACL Rehabilitation
    • Favorite area of the body or diagnosis to treat
      • Shoulder injuries and post-operative rehab
      • ACL rehab
    • Hobbies outside of the Clinic
      • Softball, volleyball, Latin dancing, playing with her dog, and spending time with friends and family
    • Primary Clinic Location
      • BodyCentral Ultimate Sports Asylum (Ajo)

Resident

2021 Graduate

Alfredo Sayeg, PT, DPT

Alfredo Sayeg, PT, DPT

Orthopedic Physical Therapist 

Program Overview

Residents are provided with additional training, didactic teaching, coaching in the clinic and on the field to allow them to focus on each resident’s unique requirements. The curriculum is also structured to help therapists pass the American Physical Therapy Board of Specialists Orthopedic Physical Therapy Certification exam.

  • OCS Exam Pass Rate: 100% (as of June 2023)
  • Graduation Rate: 100% (as of October 2023)

FAQs

What is a Payback Period?

This is a 15-month employment commitment following the residency program. Residents are required to work for 15 months as a staff clinician at one of our locations and a staff PT salary.  There is no cost for the Payback Period unless you choose to buy yourself out of it at the end of the residency period.

What are you looking for in a Orthopedic Physical Therapy Resident?

We are looking for someone that is passionate about Orthopedic Physical Therapy and clinical education. We want someone who is a “go-getter” on our team.  Residents need to be driven and motivated to make their residency experience the best 15 months possible.  It is also very important that our Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residents are a good personality fit with our Residency Faculty.

When is your application deadline?

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency follows the universal application deadline and decision date for Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residencies, which is typically a 12/1 deadline and decisions are announced the week of 3/1

What is the program start date?

August 1

Can I apply if I’m taking July boards?

We would strongly encourage you to take boards in April if you are applying to this residency program, as your licensure may be delayed otherwise.  However, you can still be considered for a position if you take boards in July.

How many residents do you accept each cycle?

2

Do I need to be EMR/ERA certified to apply?

You do not need to be certified to apply, but if accepted you must have this certification or be a licensed ATC prior to starting the program per ABPTRFE requirements.

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