Performing Arts Fellowship

About the Program

The Performing Arts Fellowship is a full-time, 10-month program. The fellow works 35-40 hours per week, spending approximately 25% of their time in educational experiences and 75% providing clinical care. 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:
    • 120 hours at Westside Dance Physical Therapy
    •  20 hours of event coverage at New York City Ballet
    •  20 hours at 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 faculty
  • Research practicum and mentorship for a performing arts-based scholarly project to be disseminated to the professional community, e.g poster and/or platform presentation, publication in peer reviewed journal
  • Teaching practicum and opportunity to teach and mentor entry level DPT students
  • Community outreach with university dance programs and private studios 

Additional Program Expectations

  • Complete healthcare observations, mentored clinical exams, and clinical skills checklists
  • Participate in journal clubs
  • Participate in and lead case rounds (online or in the clinic)
  • Present two formal case presentations
  • Participation in Professional Meetings (IAMDS conference (when in US) and/ or PAMA conference, APTA Combined Sections Meeting)

Curriculum

The curriculum was developed as a clinical fellowship in performing arts physical therapy based on the Description of Fellowship Practice (DFP 2016) prepared by the members of the Performing Arts Special Interest Group (PASIG) of the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and APTA staff. The DFP was published by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE), a board-appointed group of the APTA. The CUDPT/ WSDPT Performing Arts Fellowship was awarded the distinction of accreditation by the ABPTRFE on September 30, 2022.

Examples of Potential Didactic Modules at Columbia

  • Research practicum
  • Teaching practicum
  • Medical diagnostics
  • Movement analysis
  • Biomechanics & pathomechanics in performing arts
  • Physical therapy for performing artists
  • Emergency care

Program Outcomes:

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