WASHINGTON (April 30, 2013) – The George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) is pleased to announce a new neurologic physical therapy residency pilot program. The pilot program will begin in August 2013.

With only a handful of neurologic physical therapy programs in the U.S., GW SMHS will become a leading source of knowledge and training for a growing number of physical therapists looking to expand their educational opportunities. The program will focus on the evaluation and treatment of individuals with movement problems as a result of disease or injury of the nervous system.

Elizabeth Ruckert, PT, DPT, NCS, GCS, assistant professor of physical therapy at GW SMHS, was instrumental in the program’s creation. As a former neurologic resident herself, Ruckert is uniquely qualified to assist in the development of the program at GW SMHS.

“These programs are so important to the education and development of clinicians interested in specialty training,” Ruckert said. “I’m extremely passionate about finding new ways to provide physical therapists with the same educational opportunities that I feel so privileged to have had.”

The program is currently looking to enroll two residents who will be responsible for treating patients for 20 hours a week with an additional 4 hours per week of one-on-one clinical mentoring. The program will also include teaching in the entry-level GW Doctor of Physical Therapy program, participating in research, and continuing didactic education. During the 12 month program, residents will focus on acute care, acute rehabilitation, and outpatient rehabilitation through a partnership with the MedStar National Rehabilitation Network.

For information on how to apply for the program, please visit http://smhs.gwu.edu/pths/programs/physical-therapy/residency-programs/neurologic.

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About the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Founded in 1825, the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) was the first medical school in the nation’s capital and is the 11th oldest in the country. Working together in our nation’s capital, with integrity and resolve, the GW SMHS is committed to improving the health and well-being of our local, national and global communities. smhs.gwu.edu.