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Physical Therapy Residency Programs – Central Texas

Baylor Scott and White Health and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Neurological Residency

Baylor Scott & White Health – Waco has two residency programs, both accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE). The Neurologic Residency is a partnership with the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and the Orthopaedic Residency is a partnership with Baylor University.

About the Neurologic Program

Mission

The BSWH-UMHB Neurologic Residency seeks to prepare residents for advanced physical therapy practice addressing neurologic conditions across the continuum of care. Graduates of the residency program will provide effective, innovative, and compassionate care while advancing the practice of neurologic physical therapy. Both institutions offering the residency program are grounded in Christian principles and a commitment to excellence, while addressing the needs of underserved communities.

Program Expectations

Our program is designed to provide residents with a 12-month intensive study in the area of neurologic physical therapy, preparing the resident to practice with an advanced level of skill in the acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient settings. The program includes direct patient care, mentoring time, didactic education, projects and presentations. Our program is looking for self-directed learners in pursuit of professional development and lifelong learning opportunities.

Requirements to apply:

  • Completion of all required application documents
  • Licensed in Texas or eligible
  • Meets all requirements for employment at BSWH
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Physical ability to perform examination and treatment procedures
  • Psychological and social stability required for successful completion of the program
  • Evidence of commitment to a career in neurologic practice
  • Strong skills in scientific inquiry and writing
  • Applications due November each year - See PT-CAS for additional details
  • Program runs each year from March through the following February

The resident can expect clinical learning experiences in the acute care setting, an inpatient rehab facility, and an outpatient neuro rehab clinic at the Baylor Scott & White - Hillcrest in Waco. Didactic learning experiences will be in person at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX with some virtual learning as appropriate.

Statistics

  • Number of current residents: 1
  • Number who have graduated the program: 2/3 (66%)
  • Number who have achieved their NCS: 3/3 (100%)D
  • Number who BSWH employed after residency: 3/3 (100%) 2

Trevor Carlson, PT, DPT

Program Director

Trevor Carlson received his bachelor’s degree at Bethel University in Minnesota, his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, and his doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Montana. He is a CARF surveyor, traveling across the country to accredit rehabilitation hospitals and provide consultation. He is a member of the APTA and the Health Policy & Administration (HPA) section. Trevor is adjunct faculty at Baylor University and the University of Mary Hardin Baylor (UMHB), the director for Neurologic and Orthopedic residencies, and the director of Rehab Services for Baylor Scott & White Health in Waco, TX.

Antonia Silva, PT, DPT, NCS, OCS

Antonia earned her B.S. in Exercise Science and Doctorate of Physical Therapy degrees at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She has practiced in a variety of inpatient and outpatient clinical settings, and has served as presenter for several continuing education courses. In addition to serving as Program Coordinator and Mentor for the BSWH-UMHB Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency, Antonia has over four years of experience as Associate Faculty for the Baylor University DPT program, and 7 years as Staff Education Program Coordinator for the BSWH Rehabilitation Department. Antonia is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and enjoys treating a wide variety of conditions with a special interest in CVA and SCI.

Kristi Trammell, PT, DPT, NCS, ADCE, EdD

Dr. Kristi Trammell is an associate professor in the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) DPT program. She also serves as the program's Assistant Director of Clinical Education and Curriculum Coordinator for the Baylor Scott & White Health/UMHB Neurologic PT Residency Program. Dr. Trammell has worked in various settings, including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facilities. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in 2004 and her MPT and transitional DPT from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2007 and 2012, respectively. She recently completed her Doctor of Education degree from A.T. Still University in September 2023. She has concentrated her clinical practice in neurorehabilitation and acute care/critical care and became a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy in 2018.

Lexie Parrish, PT, DPT

Dr. Lexie Parrish completed her undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University earning her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and a Minor in Neuroscience. During her undergraduate career she was able to participate in research focusing on regeneration of the neuromuscular junction. Dr. Parrish then completed the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, graduating in December of 2023. Throughout her time in the program, she was able to continue to delve into her passion for neurological physical therapy. She states that patients with neurological conditions “are each so unique and require personalized, creative interventions to maximize their function.” Dr. Parrish is excited to continue her exploration of neurological PT practice by completing the Baylor-Scott and White and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Neurologic Residency Program.

About the Orthopaedic Program

Mission

Our mission is to advance orthopaedic physical therapist practice by providing an evidence-based curriculum to orthopedic physical therapists, rooted in respect for human dignity, through sound clinical reasoning, innovation, integration of research, compassion and adaptive expertise to enhance the quality of patient care to the community we serve.

Program Expectations

The resident will work as a clinician at Baylor Scott and White Health, receiving clinical mentorship from PTs specialized in orthopaedic practice. The residency will provide access to diverse patient populations across multiple practice settings, including sports medicine. The resident will spend approximately 32 hours per week in patient care. Four of these hours will be allotted for 1:1 clinical mentoring with an orthopaedic specialist. The other four hours each week are reserved for didactic learning.

During didactic learning the residents will meet virtually (or in person) with faculty members of Baylor University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The content will emphasize specialty practice in orthopaedics. It will also serve to prepare the resident to sit for the OCS exam. The resident will participate in teaching and lab assisting at Baylor’s DPT musculoskeletal lab intensives. The resident will also participate in research with Baylor’s DPT faculty. The research project will be tailored to best fit the needs and interests of the resident.

Program Structure

The BSWH-BU Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency is a 12-month clinical and educational experience to become a specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy. The residents will have exposure to different orthopaedic and sport settings, as well as teaching at Baylor University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program during their lab immersions. A typical week would be in the clinic Monday-Thursday from 8-5, with dedicated didactic time on Fridays.

The didactic portion of the residency will occur virtually and at the BU DPT Campus in Waco. Research and teaching portions of the residency will also occur at BU’s DPT Campus. The teaching portions will be during BU’s DPT musculoskeletal lab intensives totaling about four weeks throughout the course of the program.

Settings

Over the course of the 12 months the residents will spend the majority of their time in an outpatient orthopaedic setting. Their time will be broken up by a 2-3 month rotation at Baylor Scott and White’s outpatient sports clinic.

Statistics

  • Number of current residents: 2
  • Number who have graduated the program: 4/4 (100%)
  • Number who have achieved their OCS: 4/4 (100%)
  • Number who BSWH employed after residency: 3/4 (75%)

Trevor Carlson, PT, DPT

Program Director

Trevor Carlson received his bachelor’s degree at Bethel University in Minnesota, his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, and his doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Montana. He is a CARF surveyor, traveling across the country to accredit rehabilitation hospitals and provide consultation. He is a member of the APTA and the Health Policy & Administration (HPA) section. Trevor is adjunct faculty at Baylor University and the University of Mary Hardin Baylor (UMHB), the director for Neurologic and Orthopedic residencies, and the director of Rehab Services for Baylor Scott & White Health in Waco, TX.

Nate Magnuson, PT, DPT

Residency Coordinator

Nate Magnuson received his BS from Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Dominican University in Orangeburg, New York. Nate is an ABPTS board certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). He is also working on becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists through Bellin College and Evidence in Motion.

Casey Unverzagt, PT, DPT, DSc

Academic Coordinator

Casey Unverzagt is a Clinical Assistant Professor for Baylor University’s DPT program. Dr. Unverzagt received his Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Puget Sound (2003), DPT degree from Slippery Rock University of PA (2006), and his Doctorate of Science in Orthopaedic and Manual Therapy from Andrews University in Michigan (2014). He completed a sports residency in the state of Washington, and is an ABPTS board certified Orthopaedic and Sports Clinical Specialist. Dr. Unverzagt also completed a fellowship in Orthopaedic and Manual Therapy from the Evidence in Motion Institute of Health Professions.

Jonathan Kim, PT, DPT

I hail from Los Angeles, CA with an undergraduate degree in economics. After graduation I worked as an account manager for 4 years. Nonetheless, I felt unfulfilled in this line of work and decided to go back to school to pursue a career in physical therapy and am now 2 months away from graduating Baylor’s DPT program and starting my second career. Baylor's DPT program has influenced me in many ways and one of those ways was introducing me to residency programs. Now, I have the exciting opportunity to embark on my journey to becoming an orthopaedic clinical specialist with the Baylor Orthopedic residency!

Emily Lapes, PT, DPT

I grew up in Waco, TX and graduated from Baylor with my undergraduate degree. Having now been a part of the Baylor DPT program it is safe to say Baylor is family and Waco is home. I am eager to continue to develop my knowledge and skills through the Baylor Scott and White-Baylor Orthopedic Residency Program. This program creates an opportunity to grow in so many ways that will allow me to be more impactful to the community. Outside of physical therapy, I enjoy connecting with family and friends and spending more time outside than inside. I value connection to the local church have had the privilege of serving in ministry on three different continents. Through this residency I am so excited to continue to serve and care for the Waco community I call home.

Program Locations

Outpatient care

Baylor Scott & White MacArthur Outpatient Rehabilitation
2201 MacArthur Dr Ste 100, Waco, TX 76708

Clinical inpatient care

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest*
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd, Waco, TX 76712

* Both acute care and inpatient rehab settings

Didactic portion

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Baylor Circle, Belton, TX 76513

Benefits

Rate of pay is 76% of a physical therapist’s salary, paid out every two weeks, to accommodate the non-clinical time in mentoring and training.

The resident will be an employee of BSWH and will be eligible for full-time benefits, including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, 401k matching, and more. In addition, residents will gradually accrue 3+ weeks of PTO, although PTO during the first 3-months is not encouraged.

About the benefits package

Education Stipend

BSWH values the advancement of practice and commitment to lifelong learning. An education stipend will be provided at $1500 during the residency and up to three paid days (in addition to PTO) for pre-approved continuing education expenses, which could include national conferences.

Financial Fact Sheets

These financial fact sheets are available to provide financial transparency to applicants on the true costs to undergo residency and fellowship education.

Requirements and How to Apply

Academic Requirements

Students in good standing are welcome to apply in the final year of their academic programs.

If accepted to the residency, candidates must have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program and be fully licensed before the start of the program.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through RF-PTCAS.

Apply at RF-PTCAS

Contact Us

Antonia Silva,
Residency Coordinator Neurologic Residency
Email: Antonia.Silva@BSWHealth.org

Nate Magnuson,
Residency Coordinator Orthopaedic Residency
Email: Nathan.Magnuson@BSWHealth.org

For general questions:
Trevor Carlson,
Residency Director
Email: Trevor.Carlson@BSWHealth.org

Working at Baylor Scott & White Health

Benefits

In addition to a competitive stipend, the resident will be an employee of BSWH and will be eligible for full-time benefits.

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