WVU Division of Physical Therapy achieves candidacy for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Residency, accepts first resident
The West Virginia University School of Medicine Physical Therapy program has been granted candidacy status for its Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Residency by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education. It is the first program of its kind in West Virginia and one of only 14 similar programs in the nation.
"We are proud and excited to partner with WVU Medicine to offer the first cardiovascular and pulmonary residency in West Virginia,” said Ivan Mulligan, PT, DSc, ATC, CSCS; chair of the WVU Division of Physical Therapy. “Physical therapists graduating from the residency program will enhance their knowledge in cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, more effectively manage their patients and contribute to research in this area.”
In partnership with WVU Medicine Rehabilitation Services, the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Residency provides physical therapists with advanced skills to improve cardiovascular and pulmonary health and quality of life for persons of all ages – from neonates to geriatrics.
The 15-month post-professional program combines traditional classroom learning with immersive clinical training in a wide variety of patient care settings within WVU Medicine, including critical care, outpatient rehabilitation and home health.
Kari DiVito, P.T., D.P.T., C.C.S., residency program coordinator, explained that the residency was established to meet a critical need for specialists in the cardiovascular and pulmonary areas of practice.
“This region of our country has the highest prevalence of cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, with WV ranking first, and yet there are very few physical therapists who have specialized training to treat the needs of this patient population,” DiVito said. “Our goal is to allow patients to maximize their physical function and independence, despite the presence of a chronic cardiopulmonary disease. By developing more specialists, we can improve access to this type of physical therapy, even in our more rural areas.”
“As WVU Medicine redefines the healthcare landscape in West Virginia, this partnership demonstrates the commitment of the university and health system to the health and welfare of the citizens of this state and region,” Bruce McKee, Director of Rehabilitation Services at WVU Medicine, said.
The program’s first resident, Blaise Robson, PT, DPT, is a 2024 graduate of WVU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. He chose to continue his studies in the cardiopulmonary specialty because of the need he saw in his current patients.
“The ratio of patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions to specialists in the world of physical therapy is incongruent,” he explained. “I want to meet the need that I see in the world. My desire to continue my education is rooted in my mission to provide the best possible care that I can to meet the goals of my patients.
“I chose physical therapy to help people become themselves again. We tie our identity to our ability to move and participate. When self-efficacy goes down, self-identity follows soon after.”
During the program, residents learn how cardiopulmonary diagnoses affect a patient’s daily function and the corresponding evidence-based, innovative treatments. Robson is looking forward to building connections with his patients and learning from the experts at WVU Medicine.
Since the residency has received candidacy status and accepted its first resident, the Division now awaits its onsite evaluation, which is the last step to receive full accreditation through the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education. The program’s on-site visit will occur later this academic year.
Graduation from an accredited program qualifies residents to become board-certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialists (CCS) in physical therapy.
For more information on the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Residency, visit medicine.wvu.edu/pt/post-professional-residencies-and-fellowships/cardiovascular-and-pulmonary-pt-residency/.
ak/12/6/24
CONTACT: Ally Kennedy
Communications Specialist
WVU School of Medicine
allyson.kennedy1@wvumedicine.org