University of Central Florida Launches Women’s Health Residency Program for Physical Therapists

Physical therapy doctoral students at the University of Central Florida now have the opportunity to receive specialized training in women’s healthcare.

In partnership with Orlando Health, clinicians at the University of Central Florida have established a new women’s health residency program for physical therapists, preparing them to deliver treatments relating to women’s reproductive health. With a focus on pelvic and obstetric physical therapy, residents will learn how to address a wide range of pelvic floor conditions.

Residents in the new program will learn about women’s reproductive health through a combination of clinical training from physical therapists at Orlando Health and academic instruction from scholars at the University of Central Florida’s division of physical therapy. Participating residents will also receive individual mentoring from board certified specialists. Upon completion of their residency, physical therapists will have the chance to earn their own certification.

“Women’s rehabilitation needs are often not prioritized in hospitals, particularly after childbirth, which can lead to a sequelae of chronic conditions,” said Beth Northop, the residency program coordinator at Orlando Health. “Our residents are prepared to be experts in caring for women across the continuum of care and providing early, evidence-based interventions for this population.”

The 12-month residency is the second of its kind in the state of Florida and the twenty-second women’s health physical therapy residency in the country.