A room filled with gym equipment such as treadmills and stair machines used for orthapedic rehabilitation.

Physical Therapy - Orthopedic Residency Program

Utica University has partnered with Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) to provide a unique orthopedic physical therapy residency program.

This 12-month program, starting the first week of January each year, focuses on advanced clinical decision making and prepares residents to provide the highest level of care to patients with complex orthopedic conditions.

Residents will work with individuals with a variety of orthopedic conditions at the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Faxton Campus (1675 Bennett Street, Utica, NY 13502) as well as teach in Utica University’s DPT program on the main Utica campus (1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, New York).

Program benefits

Salary and full-time benefits
Variety of unique didactic experiences
Residents will develop teaching experiences working with Utica University Faculty and participate in evidence-based practice

Eligibility requirements. Acceptable candidates must be:

Graduate of CAPTE accredited PT program or equivalent
Eligible for licensure as a PT in state of New York
Meet MVHS employment eligibility requirements to practice as a PT, including but not limited to successful completion of criminal background check, drug screen, and health requirements

Application Requirements

Online application through RF-PTCAS
Transcript from entry level PT program
Resume or Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter
Evidence of APTA membership
Three reference letters

Application Deadline: Application opens October 1, 2022 and closes November 12, 2022

Apply Now

Resident Handbook

About the Program

The mission of the Utica University Mohawk Valley Health Systems Orthopedic Residency Program is to develop future Board-Certified Clinical Specialists in Orthopedic Physical Therapy who provide exceptional patient care, integrate evidence with clinical practice and demonstrate effectiveness in teaching the communities they serve.

Clinical Experience in an out-patient and in-patient orthopedic physical therapy practice. Residents are required to spend at least 30 hours per week in patient care.
Participate in direct Patient Care Mentorship: During the residency, each resident will receive approximately 3 hours per week of 1:1 mentoring. Mentors will help the resident incorporate the most recent evidence based clinical practice.
Residents will use the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy (AOPT) Residency Education Curriculum and review independent learning with faculty members. The faculty and resident will also review assignments, case presentations, laboratory skills, journal club assignments, participation at grand rounds, and shadowing experiences with other healthcare providers or mentors.
Journal Club: Residents will review and appraise the journal articles selected by faculty members. The resident is responsible for reviewing the journal article and writing a summary response of the key features related to clinical practice.
Utica University Teaching Experience: Residents will assist in teaching graduate level DPT laboratory courses. Residents will have access to and be mentored by course instructors.
Residents will have the opportunity to observe the following at MVHS:
- Attendance and Participation at Grand Rounds: Grand rounds include presentations by physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, nurses and other health care professionals.
- Orthopedic Surgery Observation.

The residents will demonstrate a thorough, timely, orthopedic clinical examination and evaluation skills, with emphasis on differential diagnosis, exercise prescription and manual therapy for effective patient management;
The residents will demonstrate the integration of professional communication, interviewing skills, physical exam and intervention skills during patient care;
The residents will evaluate the impact of biopsychosocial factors on management of complex patient’s and incorporate appropriate strategies during patient care;
The residents will utilize optimal tests and outcome measures and determine an evidence-based plan of care for patients during patient care.
Provide residents with high quality, consistent experiences in the clinic and the classroom.

There is no tuition associated with UU-MVHS-OR program however residents are responsible for purchasing the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Education Curriculum (Approximate cost $500.00)

Eligibility requirements. Acceptable candidates must be:

Graduate of CAPTE accredited PT program or equivalent
Eligible for licensure as a PT in state of New York
Meet MVHS employment eligibility requirements to practice as a PT, including but not limited to successful completion of criminal background check, drug screen, and health requirements

Application Requirements

Online application through RF-PTCAS
Transcript from entry level PT program
Resume or Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter
Evidence of APTA membership
Three reference letters

Application Deadline: Application opens October 1, 2022 and closes November 12, 2022

Apply Now

Residency Program Director

Carrie Caruso-Rahn, PT, DPT, OCS, NCS, Cert. LSVT

Dr. Caruso-Rahn obtained her DPT degree from University of Buffalo in 2013. She became an orthopedic specialist in 2016 and a neurologic specialist in 2017. Dr. Caruso-Rahn has been working in out-patient clinics since 2013. Currently she runs her own physical therapy practice that she started in 2019. She has also taught in the Utica University PT program for several years.

Program Coordinator

Melissa Milham-Wilkosz, PT, DPT, CCCE

Dr. Milham-Wilkosz is a staff physical therapist at the Mohawk Valley Health System, Faxton Campus outpatient rehabilitation clinic. Dr. Milham-Wilkosz graduated from Utica University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Melissa obtained her doctorate degree from Utica University in 2007. In 2013, Dr. Milham-Wilkosz became the clinical coordinator of clinical education for Outpatient Physical Therapy students at the Faxton Campus. She developed, implemented and coordinated the Aquatic Physical Therapy program in 2001. Melissa holds numerous certifications in NDT, Kinesio Taping and skilled wound care and has practiced in all settings including acute rehab.

Clinical Mentor

Marissa Rocci-Armstrong PT, DPT, OCS

Dr. Rocci-Armstrong obtained her doctor of physical therapy degree from Utica University in 2007 and is a board certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. She has been practicing primarily in the outpatient physical therapy setting since 2008. Dr. Rocci-Armstronng is the Clinic Director/Owner of a private outpatient practice in New Hartford, New York. Marissa has been an adjunct faculty member at Utica University since 2014.

Residency Program Faculty

Ashraf Elazzazi PT, PHD

Dr. Elazzazi is a professor and chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at Utica University. He earned a PhD degree in physical therapy with concentration in orthopedic and geriatrics. As a physical therapist with 30+ years of clinical experience, Dr. Elazzazi practiced in a variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, and short-term rehab. Dr. Elazzazi has 20+ years of experience as an educator and researcher. He has taught the musculoskeletal examination, intervention and research courses in the DPT curriculum. He has 7 peer reviewed publications, and 40 peer reviewed national and international conference presentations. Dr. Elazzazi is a Fellow of APTA Education Leadership Institute.

Ahmed Radwan PT, DPT, PhD, CPE, MBA

Dr. Radwan is a Utica University professor for the Department of Physical Therapy and is the Dean of the School of Health Professions and Education. He earned a PhD degree in Physical Therapy with a concentration in orthopedic physical therapy, ergonomics and biomechanics. As a physical therapist with 23+ years of clinical experience, Dr. Radwan has practiced in a variety of outpatient and sports medicine settings. Dr. Radwan also has 22+ years of experience as an educator and researcher, with a focus on the musculoskeletal system. He has 29 peer reviewed publications, 39 peer reviewed and 32 non-peer reviewed national and international conference presentations. Additionally, he is a Certified Professional Ergonomist and founder and director of Utica University’s Center for Ergonomic Analysis and Research.

David Schilling PT, DPT, OCS

Dr. Schilling is an associate professor for the Department of Physical Therapy at Utica University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Utica University. Dr. Schilling is a board certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. As a physical therapist with 23+ years of clinical experience, Dr. Schilling has practiced as an outpatient physical therapist, primarily seeing patients with orthopedic conditions and sports injuries. Dr. Schilling has 20+ years of experience as an educator and researcher, with a primary focus on the musculoskeletal system and injury prevention. He has 3 peer reviewed publications and 12 peer reviewed national and international conference presentations.

Brittany Simpson PT, DPT

Dr. Simpson is an assistant professor and assistant director of clinical education for the Department of Physical Therapy at Utica University. Dr Simpson is currently the NYPTA central district co-chair. She earned her BS and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Utica University. As a physical therapist with 12+ years of clinical experience, Dr. Simpson practiced as an outpatient physical therapist, primarily seeing patients with orthopedic conditions. Dr. Simpson also has 8+ years of experience as an educator and researcher, mostly in musculoskeletal PT. Currently Dr. Simpson is enrolled in a doctoral program in education at Logan University.