Dear List,
In response to my original query:
*I am researching an availability of online and/or distance learning doctoral programs related to O&P/Rehabilitation/Healthcare. I would like to hear from those distinguished individuals who have achieved the doctorate level and who are willing to share their experiences; and also, I would like to exchange ideas with O&P professionals who hold Master of Science Degrees and are researching an appropriate path toward the highest level. *
I received only one substantial response. Here it is:
*I graduated from Georgia Tech’s Master’s program in prosthetics and orthotics several years ago. After getting my certification and working in clinical setting I desired to continue my education, specifically with the intention of improving research geared towards prosthetics and orthotics. The available PhD programs for this are scarce. As a result I had to expand my search to pursue my PhD. I began thinking of the different aspects of prosthetics and orthotics. Very simply, to me there is the issue of biomechanics/gait, materials science/engineering, and rehabilitation techniques. I quickly moved past the idea of rehabilitation techniques as this to me represented a clinical forum which I am confident that furthering my basic science skills would allow me to expand my current clinical/rehab knowledge. So ultimately, I saw it as a determination of whether I wanted to pursue biomechanics/gait or materials science/engineering. This is what I would recommend to anyone that is desiring to continue towards a more terminal degree; decide which of these two areas are more in line with your interests/desires.
For me it was biomechanics/gait. I am currently finishing my first year at the University of Nebraska Medical Center working on several projects in the Nebraska Biomechanics Core Facility. There is little work on prosthetics and orthotics right now. I am however building an AFO device to be tested on individuals and in addition my work on gait/biomechanics is easily applicable to a situation of prosthetics and orthotics, although it will most likely not be until I am in my own university lab that I will be able to take the knowledge gained and combine it with my knowledge of prosthetics and orthotics to apply directly to those patient populations utilizing the devices. It is important to remember that one of the most significant contributors to the field of prosthetics, Charles Radcliffe, was not a prosthetist but rather a biomechanist (Shane Wurdeman, MSPO, CP).*
Personally, I received my MSc in Rehabilitation Studies from University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. It was a distance learning program with annual residency weeks. I think it was a very good program, relatively inexpensive and fun too. Now I am exploring possible options in even further advancement. The following link provides a general overview of distance learning/online doctoral programs:
http://www.internationalschoolsreview.com/nonmembers/doctorate-distance.htm
It also suggests several leading Universities where such degree may be achieved. However, the closest concentration I was able to find was “Doctor of Health Administration”. This program if offered by several Universities in a distance learning format. My favorite is Capella University, based on the structure of the program. University of Phoenix is another major institution. However, these degrees are more about management, not the applied science, most of the O&P practitioners would prefer.
There are doctoral programs in O&P, however they are only for full time students, which might not be acceptable for most practitioners:
University of Washington’s PhD Program in Rehabilitation Science
An interesting option is being offered by Warnborough College, Ireland:
They have several pathways toward achieving a PhD degree. Although PhD by instruction is not offered in Healthcare, the description of their PhD programs by Research only:
http://www.warnborough.ie/faculties/graduate_research.htm, implies that one may choose any field of study in which to write a dissertation. I have not contacted them yet, therefore, this assumption shall be further verified.
PhD in Research only requires a much more substantial dissertation as compared to combined programs. I assume, there shall be more Universities that offer such research programs.
Should anybody obtain more information or learn about other interesting options in respect to PhD degrees in Rehabilitation, please share with this virtual community. There were big names in O&P, educators, like Richard Lehneis, PhD, Sid Fishman, PhD, Timothy Staats, Ed.D. What happened? With all the research that goes on, we should have many more names like that. I looked up Uni. of Washington and Georgia Tech’s faculty and found only ONE certified O&P practitioner with a PhD. The third edition of Atlas of Amputations and limb deficiencies is a substantial work. About 90 writers contributed to the creation of this reference. None of the O&P practitioners have a doctorate degree. Please, correct me if I am wrong. We must bring our profession to a higher standard.
—
Stephan R. Manucharian, M.A., MSc, CP, BOCO Orthopedic Arts Laboratory, Inc.
141 Atlantic Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-858-2400; Fax: 718-858-9258;
http://www.OrthopedicArts.net
Non est vivere sed valere vita est!
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