Clinical Residency in Women’s Health

Our Residency in Women’s Health provides an outstanding education to physical therapists interested in focused study of the practice of women’s and pelvic health.

washington university residency in womens health

Overview

Residents in the program receive specialized training in treating women with musculoskeletal problems, pelvic floor dysfunction, lymphedema, and osteoporosis. The program is a one-year paid training experience. After completion, residents are eligible to sit for the women’s health specialty exam.

Mentors

Theresa Spitznagle, PT, DPT, WCS
Dr. Spitznagle is an active leader in the APTA Section of Women’s Health and served as the Chair of the Women’s Health Specialist Council for the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Her clinical interests include outpatient orthopedics, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence.

Jennifer Miller, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT
Dr. Miller is a board certified women’s health specialist and certified lymphedema therapist specializing in the direct care of men, women, and children with pelvic floor dysfunction, musculoskeletal conditions, and lymphatic disorders.

Stacy Tylka, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT-LANA
Dr. Tylka, a certified lymphedema therapist and board certified women’s health specialist, treats patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction, pelvic pain, incontinence, lymphedema, and oncologic conditions. She is active in the APTA Section of Women’s Health and the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and has held multiple leadership positions.

Carlee Hill, PT, DPT
Dr. Hill has completed all three levels of the APTA’s Pelvic Health curriculum. Her clinical interests include outpatient orthopedics, pelvic pain, urinary and fecal conditions.

Curriculum

Residents work primarily in physical therapy clinics at Washington University and complete additional work at other St. Louis outpatient clinics.

Training includes:

  • 36 hours of clinical work for 50 weeks in the Washington University Faculty Practice and in other St. Louis outpatient clinics
  • Weekly mentoring sessions with Washington University faculty
  • Classroom learning via seminars, rounds, colloquia, coursework, and continuing education
  • Independent study in focused areas

Program Outcomes

  • 100% Pass Rate for the WCS Exam
  • 100% of past residents are employed as a Women’s Health provider
  • 70% of past residents participate in local and/or national leadership positions

Past Residents contributions to Women’s Health Literature: