Overview of Curriculum

• Direct 1:1 clinical mentoring in upper extremity rehabilitation settings
• Opportunities to contribute to research and present at conferences
• Physician clinic and surgery observation opportunities
• Fresh cadaver lab observation opportunities
• Hand Surgery Conference and Indications
• Weekly didactic curriculum

Program Structure

• The program is a full-time, post-professional educational program spanning 12 months. The fellow-in-training becomes an employee of Duke and is employed at a reduced salary (with full benefits) while participating in the fellowship.
• The program includes 32 hours per week of patient care (including 1:1 mentoring and clinical practice) and approximately 20 hours a week of didactic coursework, case reports, testing, etc.
• The fellowship incorporates both didactic learning experiences and clinical mentoring to elevate the OT to the level of a master clinician. As part of a large teaching hospital, our program can offer a variety of unique learning experiences such as shadowing physicians, observing procedures and participating in research opportunities. After successful completion of the curriculum, the fellow-in-training will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to successfully manage a broad range of upper extremity conditions.

Curricular Content

• Foundational Knowledge
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Biomechanics and Kinesiology
  • Psychosocial Effects of UE Dysfunction
  • Pain Management
  • Wound Care
  • Orthotic Principles
  • Understanding Diagnostic Imaging
• Clinical Examination
  • Top-Down Approach
  • Goniometry and Manual Muscle Testing
  • Provocative Testing
  • Sensibility Testing
  • Functional Tests
  • Differential Diagnoses
• Common Conditions
  • Skin and Soft Tissue
  • Sprains and Strains
  • Dislocations
  • Fractures and Joint Injuries
  • Nerve Compressions
  • Nerve Lacerations
  • Tendon Injuries and Tendinopathies
  • Edema and Vascular Disorders
• Special Techniques
  • Orthotic Intervention
  • Physical Agent Modalities
  • Nerve Glides and Mobilization
  • Elastic Taping
  • Manual Therapy
• Special Populations
  • Complex Trauma
  • Injured Workers
  • Instrumental Musicians
  • Congenital or Traumatic
  • The Injured Athlete
  • Patients with Hemiplegia/Tetraplegia