Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellowship
The Houston Methodist Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellowship was designed to provide clinical, educational and field training to the highest degree of quality, empowering the fellow to optimize his or her skills through evidence-based paradigms regarding rehabilitation, acute injury management and injury prevention.
Program Overview
The Houston Methodist Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellowship is a 13-month program offering clinical and didactic experiences in hospital-based orthopedic and sport facilities focused on manual therapy. Fellows will be taught and mentored by experts in the field, including board-certified and fellowship-trained clinicians.
To ensure an advancing level of mastery, the program integrates a variety of educational methods, including in-person lectures and labs, full-time clinical experience, one-on-one mentoring, journal clubs, case-based discussions, discussion boards and self-study. Fellows are employed as full-time, benefits-eligible Houston Methodist employees.
Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is the highest nationally ranked orthopedics program in Texas, according to U.S. News & World Report. Our skilled team of orthopedic surgeons, primary care sports medicine physicians, physical and occupational therapists, and athletic trainers use the latest innovative techniques and pioneer new technology to deliver exceptional care to patients with musculoskeletal injuries or disorders.
Program Mission Statement
Houston Methodist’s Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship seeks to inspire and develop specialized practitioners in orthopedic manual physical therapy. Graduates will be expert clinicians and leaders dedicated to improving and advancing the local and professional communities through patient care, teaching, research and health advocacy, while exemplifying Houston Methodist’s I CARE values of integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence.
Contact Information
For more information regarding the Houston Methodist Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellowship, please contact:
Kris Neelon, PT, DPT
Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist
Board Certified Sport Specialist
Fellow, American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
Admission Requirements
Prospective candidates are required to submit the following:
- 2-3 letters of recommendation: at least one must be from a current supervisor, manager or co-worker
- Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Statement of interest (maximum one page) that addresses:
- Reasons for applying to the Houston Methodist Fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
- Career goals, and how this fellowship aligns with your goals
- How your professional and personal experiences will contribute to the fellowship team and broader community
- Any additional information or personal attributes that may support your candidacy and promote an inclusive team
- Proof of American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (ABPTS) certification (Sports Clinical Specialist, Orthopedic Clinical Specialist), or completion of an ABPTRFE-accredited residency
Prior to starting the fellowship, candidates will need to submit the following:
- Proof of current Texas PT license
- Proof of CPR/First Aid certificate
Accreditation
The American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) has granted Houston Methodist Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellowship candidacy status. Candidacy status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation. Achieving candidacy status is not an indication that ABPTRFE will grant initial accreditation. Participants who graduate from a program in candidacy status are not deemed to have completed an accredited program.