Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency

“My residency experience at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one that I am eternally grateful for, as it has made me stronger both personally and professionally. Over the past 13 months, I have gained valuable knowledge through my mentors and hands-on experiences. I have learned how to be a leader amongst a multi-disciplinary team and how to be an advocate for my patients and families. I tried new things, stepped out of my comfort zone, and learned how to think outside of the box. Having the opportunity to work in diverse settings has boosted my ability to care for complex patients and has inspired me to continue learning and developing professionally beyond residency in order to be the best clinician I can be for this population.”

Madison Filipkowski, PT, DPT

“I completed my pediatric physical therapy residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital from July 2023-August 2024 and it was the best choice I could have made for my career. I came into this residency straight after DPT school in order to gain more knowledge in pediatrics and I am leaving this residency feeling completely confident to join the workforce as an independent therapist. This residency has also helped me reach my career goal of working in the NICU as I am now transitioning into the NICU fellowship at Nationwide Children's. The experiences I had in the interdisciplinary specialty clinics, research program, outpatient, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, schools, early intervention, and assisting in the OSU DPT program has allowed me to become the therapist I strive to be and one my patients deserve.”

Emily Stevens, PT, DPT

“Nationwide Children’s diverse learning experiences allowed for ample opportunities to work alongside and learn from experts across multiple different disciplines. As a resident, it was through these opportunities that the standard of care in the support of pediatric development across various clinical settings was defined. Through a large network of very knowledgeable and supportive mentors I was able to develop, both personally and professionally, into the pediatric physical therapist that my patients deserve. Completing the residency did not only provide me with the skills and education to meet the standard of care but has also motivated me to exceed it and to challenge the status quo.”

Christopher Steiner, PT

“Participating in a pediatric physical therapy residency was the best professional decision I have made thus far. The didactic and service learning, research opportunities, inter- and multidisciplinary teamwork, and assistant teaching experiences have afforded me a well-rounded skill set to help improve activity and participation levels for children and families. The rich mentorship from pediatric certified specialists and other healthcare professionals with years of clinical and research experiences provides life-long resources and fosters the development of enhanced clinical problem solving and patient and family compassion for achieving best outcomes.”

Nicholas S. Kelly, PT, DPT

“Completing the Pediatric Residency Program through Nationwide Children’s Hospital has elevated my skillsets as a clinician, patient and family advocate, researcher, teacher, and leader. This program equips residents with a toolset needed to practice at the top of their licensure through assurance to evidence-based practice. In addition to an emphasis on patient care, residents learn to better understand the roles of culture on medical care, to emphasize family-centered care approaches, integrate and facilitate research to advance best practices, and serve as a member on a multi-disciplinary team. The Nationwide Children's Pediatric Residency program has given me the confidence and knowledge to better provide for my patients and their families.”

Abigail Nelson, PT, DPT

“Completing this residency was the best post-graduation career choice I have made thus far. Having worked for two years prior to residency, I can better understand and appreciate the value of having a team of intelligent, passionate, and evidence-based clinicians working alongside me in the clinic. In addition to honing my clinical skills, all of the extra experiences are what makes Nationwide Children’s a special place. I would not be the clinician that I am after this year without all of the thought-provoking conversations that I have had with my mentors, the ability to work in multiple inter-disciplinary clinics, the opportunities to give back to the community and become a better advocate, and the diversity of clientele that I have worked with across the various pediatric treatment settings. This experience has truly been invaluable.”

Jaimie Albert, PT, DPT