Performing Arts Fellowship

About the Program

The CUIMC / WSDPT Performing Arts Fellowship provides a diverse and dynamic environment for post-graduate fellowship study, practice, and research, featuring opportunities to work with elite dancers from the world renowned, New York City Ballet (NYCB) and the School of American Ballet (SAB). The fellowship is a full-time, 10-month, American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) accredited program. 

The fellow spends 75% of each week providing clinical care at West Side Dance Physical Therapy, and approximately 25% of their time in educational experiences with the Columbia Programs in Physical Therapy. A salary proportional to a 75% case load is provided.

Program Features

  • 160 hours of one-on-one mentorship with performing arts physical therapy specialists, consisting of:
    • Rehabilitation for dancers and performing artists at Westside Dance Physical Therapy (WSDPT)
    • Backstage event coverage at Lincoln Center for New York City Ballet
    • Outreach and wellness programming at the School of American Ballet
  • 840 hours of non-mentored clinical practice in performing arts physical therapy clinic (WSDPT)
  • 150 hours of didactic curriculum provided by dance medicine professionals and Columbia University faculty
  • Research practicum and mentorship for a performing arts-based scholarly project to be disseminated to the professional community
  • Teaching practicum and opportunity to teach and mentor entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students
  • Community outreach and wellness events

Additional Program Expectations

  • Complete mentored clinical exams and clinical skills checklists
  • Participate in journal clubs
  • Participate in and lead case rounds (online or in the clinic)
  • Present NYCB repertoire movement analysis presentation
  • Participation in Professional Meetings (IAMDS conference (when in US) and/ or PAMA conference, APTA Combined Sections Meeting)

Curriculum

The fellowship meets the comprehensive curriculum and program requirements as outlined within the ABPTRFE Quality Standards for Clinical Physical Therapist Residency and Fellowship Programs and the Description of Fellowship Practice (DFP) in Performing Arts (APTA, 2016).  The CUIMC/ WSDPT Performing Arts Fellowship was awarded the distinction of accreditation by the ABPTRFE on September 30, 2022.

Program Outcomes:

  • 100% Completion rate
  • 100% of Fellows practicing in Performing Arts Setting