How physical therapy residents and fellows influence doctor of physical therapy students’ experiences: a single program mixed methods study

Purpose: Physical therapy residency and fellowship programs help healthcare providers develop stronger clinical skills and professional confidence. While research shows that these programs benefit the residents and fellows, we know little about how these advanced practitioners impact entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students they work with during their education. This study investigates the influence of physical therapy residents and fellows on the educational experience and professional development of DPT students through focused surveys and semi-structured interviews.

Methods: Students eligible (229) for this study were students enrolled in the DPT program from January 2018 to March 2022. Cohorts were selected based on their exposure to residents and fellows during their time in the DPT program. Students from the identified cohorts were invited to complete a web-based survey and participate in virtual interviews. An inductive content analysis approach was employed to identify and refine codes and establish themes.

Results: Twenty-three percent of students completed the survey (52), and 42 completed the interview. Seventy-three percent of students acknowledged that a residency and fellowship program associated with the DPT program positively enriched their educational experience. Additionally, 50% of students indicated that access to residents and fellows influenced their decision to pursue a residency or fellowship.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that integrating residents and fellows within a DPT program positively influences students’ educational experiences and professional development within a single university setting. While these results are encouraging, additional research is warranted to deepen our understanding of this relationship.