Frequently Asked Questions
What do you see as the unique aspects of your residency program?
We are an exceptionally strong, clinically based program with extensive resources. The resident will have an opportunity to work with a very wide range of complex neurologic patients on each of their six-month rotations as well as with 20 board certified neurologic clinical specialists who are part of our staff. Our faculty has extensive experience to mentor residents and facilitate their growth at whatever point they are along the novice to expert continuum.
Can you describe the didactic portion of your curriculum?
The primary didactic component of the residency will be provided by the Neurologic Physical Therapy Professional Education Consortium. The residents participate in weekly webinars from June-December and attend two on-site, 4 day blocks at USC in California. Beginning in January, the residents will participate in online case presentations through the Neuroconsortium online platform where they will have an opportunity to explore the current literature as it relates to patient cases.
In addition, the Neuroconsortium didactic component will be supplemented by a Clinical and Professional Development Series at MGH. This series includes modules on novice to expert practice, clinical decision making, teaching and learning theory, and interprofessional practice, as well as modules that focus on clinical knowledge and skills, such as neuroanatomy, cranial nerve testing, and management of spinal cord injury. We will also use this series to supplement the development of clinical skills and decision making around complex diagnoses.
How long is your program and how is it organized?
The program covers a period of 15 months. The didactic component, which includes weekly evening webinars and the onsite experience in August, begins prior to the start of the clinical component in September. The resident’s year is divided into six month rotations, one on inpatient and one on outpatient. The switch between settings occurs in March.
Do you accept new graduates into your program?
Yes. We do ask that applicants have had at least one 10-week full time clinical experience with neurologic patients as part of their entry level training. New graduates must have a Massachusetts PT license prior to starting in June.
What do you see as essential characteristics of a successful resident in your program?
Residents should come with a commitment to patient centered practice as well as the ability to articulate a clinical framework for decision making. They need to demonstrate evidence of self-initiative, self-assessment, and reflective skills. Strong communication and collaboration skills with patients, family and other team members are important qualities for success in this dynamic environment.
What does a typical week look like for a resident in your program?
Residents work 35 paid hours per week as an MGH staff therapist and have a minimum of three additional hours per week of one-to-one time with the clinical mentor. They also participate in 26 weekly evening webinars from June to November and online Journal club through the Neurologic PT Professional Education Consortium from January -May. Additional didactic content is provided at MGH through a Clinical and Professional Development Series that is offered twice per month. We anticipate that the amount of time needed to complete both the didactic and clinical components of the residency will average 50 hours per week.

Are there opportunities for research activities within the residency?
Application of the evidence to justify evaluation and intervention choices for patients is a foundational skill of this residency. Residents will both participate and present in a case conference format where a research question will be developed and specific literature will be critically appraised as to its applicability to a patient case. Residents will complete one self-directed learning activity during the residency year which may involve participation in some aspect of ongoing MGH research, the development of an evidence-based department resource, or a critically appraised topic.
Can the residency help me find housing?
We are able to provide recommendations for housing options, but it is the responsibility of each resident to arrange for housing. As an MGH employee, you will have access to information about housing as well as public transportation options. Please consider that the Boston rental market is tight and fast moving.