Women’s Health Residency Program

Accelerate your professional development by participating in the Women’s Health Physical Therapy Residency Program. Join our team to work in a stimulating environment as you gain advanced knowledge and skills in Women’s Health Physical Therapy.

Residency Structure

• 52 week program (to be completed by maximum of 56 weeks)
• 35 hours / week of patient care and 10 hours / week of 1:1 mentorship and didactic education in Women’s Health including both Pelvic Floor and Lymphedema Therapy
• Exposure to Special Interest Groups – Spine, Pelvic Floor, Lymphedema, Orthopedics
• Exposure to clinical observation of different specialty areas such as Breast Surgery, GynOnc Rounds, Spine Center, Pain Center, Psychology, Urogynecology, and Colorectal Surgery
• Opportunity for mentorship from a variety of therapists with diverse backgrounds and experience in Women’s Health. Rotation through up to 3 GSPP outpatient sites (within 24 miles University City)
• Completion of LANA approved Certified Lymphedema Therapist course
• During the Residency Program, residents are employees of GSPP. Salary and benefits are based on experience.

Application and Selection Process

Penn Medicine | Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Outpatient Therapy currently utilizes RF-PTCAS to apply to our residency programs. Please visit this link for the current due date and to complete the online application. Click here for the 2024-2025 ABPTRFE Financial Fact Sheet.

The Residency Admissions Committee consisting of the Residency Coordinator, Faculty, Specialty Area Team Leader and Site Manager will review applications.

Qualifying candidates will be selected for an interview with members of the Residency Admissions Committee. Upon acceptance to the program, the 52-week Residency Program begins in the fall.

Criteria assessed include:

• Academic education
• Clinical education and mentoring experiences
• Clinical experience in the specialty area
• Research experience
• Community service
• Advocacy of the profession

Residents selected to this program must:

• Have, or be eligible for, a valid and permanent New Jersey and Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Licenses in good standing
• Complete a GSPP Rehabilitation application for employment

Applications open annually October 1, with a Rolling Admission. Qualifying candidates will be selected for an interview with members of the Residency Admissions Committee.

Desirable candidates will have evidence of the following:

• Experience in outpatient physical therapy in the specialty area
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• Strong fundamentals in the principles of clinical reasoning and the application of manual examination and treatment procedures
• Basic knowledge of the description of specialty practice and genuine desire to advance skills in the specialty area

Residency Outcomes

• The Women’s Health Residency was established in 2012
• American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship (ABPTRFE) accredited in 2013
• Re-accredited by ABPTRFE for 2018-2028
• 14 graduates of the program
• Up to 2 residents per residency cycle
• 100% success rate for the APTA Women’s Health Specialist Certification Exam

Contact

Denise Hartzell Leggin, PT, DPT, MBA
Women’s Health Residency Program Coordinator
Board Certified Clinical Specialist, Women’s Health
Email: [email protected]