SLU SSM Health PT Women's Health Resident talks about lifelong learning

pictured:  Laura Erb, PT, DPT and Bri Mulhearn, PT, DPT

SLU SSM Health PT Women's Health Resident, Dr. Bri Mulhearn, talks about lifelong learning

By Bri Mulhearn, PT, DPT

I started my residency in August of 2022. My experiences in the first 2 months have already made in impact on how I present myself as a physical therapist. Being a resident is a unique, explorative, humbling, but rewarding experience. It has allowed me to discover where my passions lie within the field of PT. It has fostered curiosity and allowed for me to focus on my role as a lifelong learner. It has also opened up different opportunities as a PT besides direct patient care that I had not considered at this point in my career.  

It can be overwhelming going into a 16-month residency program, and now with only 14 months left I can say that it is still a little overwhelming. I have learned a lot about myself in the few short months I have been involved with the program. I have learned that I enjoy being an educator, where my passions within PT lie, and that I have so much room to grow as a clinician. Being in a Women's Health Residency Program already puts me in such a niche area of PT, but within that niche there are so many routes to go and so much to learn, which I love. The field of women's and pelvic health is constantly evolving with the new research coming out. The program has worked with me to create an environment where I am able to explore my interests and help me to figure out what I want to do with my career.  

The term "lifelong learner" is heavily applied to my experiences as a resident. I have learned so much from mentors and from students that I have interacted with in these first few months. I have learned to stay curious and continue to ask questions. 

The learning environment in residency is much different from PT school as it is more collaborative, allows for open discussion, and challenges my own views on different topics within the field of PT. Being a TA for the first year PT students at SLU has taught me how much I have truly learned in all my education up to this point in my career. 

I have learned to have grace with myself, like I do with the students as they are learning new things. That is why I think it is so humbling to be a resident. Transitioning from a full time clinician to a resident made me realize how much there is to learn and how important education is, at any point in one's life. This realization has also helped me discover a passion for educating others, be it the community, students, or colleagues.  

My overall experience as a resident, while it may seem like a lot, has been nothing short of eye opening. I am looking forward to the future in the program and watching myself grow as a not only a PT, but as a person.  

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women's Health program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-womens-health-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Jill Imgarten at jimgarten@ssm-select.com OR the SLU Director of Residency Education, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

Laura Erb, PT, DPT (Women's Health Resident with SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Residencies) on Opportunities

Dr. Laura Erb (Women's Health Resident with SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Residencies) on Opportunities

by Laura Erb, PT, DPT  (SLU Alum 2021) 

My name is Laura Erb (pictured here on the left with my colleague Dr. Bri Mulhearn on the right). I'm a physical therapist and proud SLU alum (2021), and I'm a current resident in the Women's and Pelvic Health Residency in conjunction with SSM Health Physical Therapy. During PT school, I hadn't anticipated wanting to apply to residency programs, but after a year of practice I found myself wanting to know more, do more, and experience more within the field of physical therapy and all the options it has to offer.  

Thus far, residency has provided me with opportunities to be involved in one-on-one mentored patient care, allowing me to ask questions and further develop my clinical reasoning in complex patient cases. I am also involved in several lab courses at SLU Program in Physical Therapy throughout the next year, with opportunities to teach, guide, and collaborate with current SLU DPT students in various parts of their curriculum. I'm especially looking forward to working with the Professional Year 3 (PY3) students in delivering pelvic health-specific didactic and lab material in their musculoskeletal curriculum. I also have access to all the resources SLU has to offer to create a scholarly product throughout my residency with potential to publish my finished product. 

I have a true passion for pelvic health, and some of my favorite conditions to treat include urinary dysfunction and pelvic pain. In addition to pelvic health, I am also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and am completing my ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation certification, allowing me to receive mentorship and resources in working with these patients during residency.  

 

As one of only 15 ABPTRFE accredited Women's Health residency programs in the country, I am so thrilled that my two worlds of pelvic health and Saint Louis University could come together into this opportunity in a community I hold dear to my heart. 

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women's Health program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-womens-health-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Jill Imgarten at jimgarten@ssm-select.com OR the SLU Director of Residency Education, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

Dr. Andrew Elston, SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Resident, talks about the Residency Journey

Dr. Andrew Elston, SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Resident, talks about the Residency Journey

By Andrew Elston, PT, DPT (SLU Alum 2021)

For PT month... Though it has just begun, in such a short window of time I have already experienced many different relative avenues for growth in the profession of physical therapy. What makes this experience so special is the unique way the SLU SSM Health PT Residency Program is tailored to the resident's individual choices. In a stark contrast to formal PT graduate school this program provides you the learner with any and all opportunities you might wish to pursue during this year long process.  

The process begins just like that and the introspection needed in the beginning requires far more energy than anything I have experienced up unto this point. It's daunting to have to decide what path you may take, but that is what is enjoyable about it. You get to decide. You get to choose. You get to be the writer, editor, and publisher of the journey that is unfolding That is the fun part of the process, as during this short time it provides a lens to see yourself grow in many different ways as a professional, some in which 3 short months ago I wouldn't have even considered.  

 As my current journey begins my path draws me to the education side of things. The avenue of teaching has always been something that I've been drawn towards.  The SLU SSM Health PT Residency Program offered many opportunities to get involved in different aspects of higher education. As try to take hold of all these incredible situations I can't help but take a step back and look at things from a different perspective. To give reference I am a previous graduate from the SLU PT program and have had the privilege to come under the tutelage of many of the previous residents that come before me. Now I certainly cannot say I was the brightest student in my class but there is something mildly surreal about being able to see the full circle of the education process from the beginning as a freshman in college to your last years in graduate school and now onto teaching. What impresses me the most is the amount of thought and intention that goes into each and every decision made, even of the most minute details there are dozens of incredible minds constantly changing molding and modifying every aspect of the program to best fit the needs of the students. Being a part of something like that truly gives meaning and drive to what I'd like to pursue in my professional growth.  

Another facet of this program is the emphasis on clinical excellence, and provides you with the course work and training necessary for you to pursue that. One thing everyone starting in a field starts to realize is that what you learn in school only grazes the surface of what is potentially out there to pursue. What this Residency Program does provide -- diverse scope of educational material as possible, allowing you to view situations and treatment from the perspective of a variety of different schools of thought. The program also benefits from the ideas of my fellow resident colleagues, who all have a variety of different backgrounds when it comes to the schooling we all received. This allows for a diversity throughout the learning process of our didactic material which only incites a higher level of thinking an reasoning during these courses. Through this and the mentoring sessions each week I'm constantly being pushed to analyze and adapt my clinical reasoning during my treatments and evaluations, pushing me to be as well rounded of a clinician as possible.  

In conclusion, though residencies may not be every PT's primary choice once finishing school, my short experience with the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency program has driven and pushed me in ways that I don't think I would of ever found on my own accord. I look forward to the challenges that I will face in the future and would encourage all PT's out there to challenge themselves and their knowledge base to be better more well-rounded clinicians 

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women's Health program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-womens-health-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Jill Imgarten at jimgarten@ssm-select.com OR the SLU Director of Residency Education, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

Happy Physical Therapy Month from Dr. Allie Wilson, SLU SSM Health PT Orthopedic Resident

Hello and happy PT Month! My name is Allie Wilson, one of the current SLU-SSM Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residents. I am originally from Bakersfield, California, however I spent 7 years in Texas receiving my undergraduate and DPT education. 

I decided to pursue orthopedic residency training as a new grad to elevate my clinical reasoning and psychomotor skills in order to become a truly excellent clinician and provide the highest quality patient care possible. I was particularly drawn to the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency because of the seemingly infinite resources and opportunities for growth made available to the residents. The unique partnership between SLU and SSM provides a wide variety of top-notch mentors and clinical sites for continual learning opportunities over the 12 month program. Clinical practice, scholarship (as both a learner and teacher), and leadership are just a few areas I've grown in tremendously in these first two months of residency as a result of the resources and mentorship provided thus far.

As we continue to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month, I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of this profession and associated with an incredible group of co-residents dedicated to transforming society through movement as future Orthopedic Clinical Specialists.  

 

Highlights of Residency (so far):  

• Getting to know my co-residents as both clinicians and individuals: Each of us brings a unique personality and approach to patient care, making weekly didactic sessions an inclusive space for discussion and learning.  

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• Role as a lab instructor in Basic Exam: One of most energizing parts of my week is assisting in Basic Exam lab on Tuesday mornings. It is a privilege to be surrounded by such dedicated educators to prepare the future leaders of this profession.  

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• Clinical practice at the SLU PT Clinic: The majority of my time as a resident is spent here treating students and faculty affiliated with SLU. This has been a unique environment to grow in my practice independently, while also feeling supported by fellow clinicians with expertise in orthopedics.  

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• SSM Health collaboration: From continuing education, regular employee networking/social events, and an inspiring PT month breakfast celebration  – there has been no shortage of opportunities to engage with SSM Health as a resident in a variety of capacities.    

 

Non-residency Highlights (work/life balance is key):  

• Exploring the vastness of Forest Park  

• Frozen custard from Ted Drewes  

• Visiting The Arch for the first time  

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women's Health program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-womens-health-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Jill Imgarten at jimgarten@ssm-select.com OR the SLU Director of Residency Education, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

Welcome to the 2022-2023 SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Residents!

Welcome to the new SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Residents!

We are welcoming four physical therapists in the orthopedic program: Drs. Mark Welegala, Andrew Elston, Jazmon Carroll, and Allie Wilson.  

Drs. Welegala, Elston, Carroll, and Wilson

We welcomed two physical therapists to the women’s pelvic health program:  Drs. Laura Erb and Bri Mulhearn.  

Drs. Erb and Mulhearn

The residents are graduates from Univ of Missouri – Columbia, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston, and our own Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy.  

Additionally, Dr. Carroll (SLU alumni) and Dr. Wilson hold licenses in athletic training.  We are so excited to Welcome you to the Residency!  

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

For more information on the program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-womens-health-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Jill Imgarten at jimgarten@ssm-select.com OR the SLU Director of Residency Education, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

Welcome to the 2022 – 2023 cohort of the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women’s Health Residents

Brianna Mulhearn, PT, DPT, and Laura Erb, PT, DPT are excited to be returning to Saint Louis University’s Program in Physical Therapy.  Both are graduates of the Program in May 2021.  

Dr. Mulhearn…why are you pursuing Residency education? 

“Residency education offers me the best opportunity to further my practice and education, specifically in the field of pelvic health. The opportunity to work with and learn from clinicians who have years of experience in the field is so exciting to me. I cannot wait to collaborate with all of the pelvic health therapists on both SLU's and SSM's teams.” 

Dr. Erb…how did you become interested in Women’s Health Residency education?  

“I became interested in residency education because of my experiences at SLU. I always knew I had an interest in women’s health throughout PT school.  I want to use this opportunity during my residency to provide future PTs (as well as future patients!) with more information about this specialty.” 

What experience are you most looking forward to during the 16-month program?  

“I’m looking forward to being back at SLU and getting to collaborate with the best therapists at SSM Health Physical Therapy to further develop my skills as a pelvic health PT.”  -- Dr. Erb

“I am most looking forward to having the opportunity to get into the up-and-coming research in pelvic health. Being able to access the most recent research and also being able to contribute to future research is something that I have always wanted to do.”   -- Dr. Mulhearn

The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women’s Health Residency Program is an accelerated post-licensure program to advance the women’s and pelvic health skills of physical therapists.  We are pursuing ABPTRFE accreditation with our site visit scheduled during spring 2022.  This unique collaboration between Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy and SSM Health Physical Therapy.  The 16-month program has integrated experiences with the SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency.  In addition to clinical practice and teaching in the entry-level DPT program, each resident completes over 150 hours of mentoring and over 300 hours of educational experiences.

For more information on the program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-womens-health-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Jill Imgarten at jimgarten@ssm-select.com OR the SLU Director of Residency Education, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.