Our Mission

Program Description

The Ivy Rehab Hand Residency is a 12-month clinical program that provides an accelerated pathway for clinicians to become advanced practitioners of hand and upper extremity rehabilitation and prepares them to sit for the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) exam. The curriculum focuses on higher-level clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, and the acquisition of advanced manual therapy skills. The well-rounded curriculum is designed to be delivered in a hybrid format so any therapist across the company can participate and could elevate their practice. Participants in the program will be paired with expert mentors to help instruct, guide and coach them during the residency year.

Curriculum

This program provides a structured and well-rounded didactic curriculum designed to enhance clinical reasoning and advanced skills including hand and upper extremity manual therapy, static and dynamic splinting, wound care, and complex case management while incorporating the most recent evidence-based practices. This program utilizes a blended model of delivery for our didactic curriculum that includes online self-study modules, live online learning, virtual grand rounds, journal club and case review, independent study, and live in-person contact weekend courses that are to be completed throughout this comprehensive 12-month residency program. Residents will also be eligible to sit for their Certificate of Manual Therapy for the Hand and Upper Extremity through the International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine (IAOM) at the completion of the HRP.

Leadership

Director of Hand Residency: Luisa Aggio OTR/L, CHT

Director of Residency Programs: Christina Bentrewicz PT, DPT, OCS 

For any questions, please email Residency@ivyrehab.com

Katie Richter, OTR/L

“I would absolutely recommend the Ivy Rehab Hand Residency Program to anyone interested in improving their knowledge and skills related to hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. The mentorship and guidance offered as a part of the program are invaluable whether you are a new graduate, new to hands, or a more seasoned therapist. After participating in the program, I have learned to be a better problem solver and provide more comprehensive patient care, which has helped my patients to achieve better functional outcomes.” —Katie Richter, OTR/L, Cranford, NJ  

Leighann Warholak, OTD, OTR/L

“Beyond excelling in my knowledge and skills, the Hand Residency Program has provided me the confidence to trust myself in practice and improve my leadership to assist my teammates in improving our care as a team. It also has been a positive experience to grow relationships with others around the country in the program and support each other’s professional growth. ” –Leighann Warholak, OTD, OTR/L, Philadelphia, PA