Mission & Goals



International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine - US Fellowship in Clinical Diagnostics and Orthopedic
Manual Therapy is credentialed by the American Physical Therapy Association as a post-professional clinical
fellowship program for physical therapists in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy.

Fellowship Program Mission

The mission statement for IAOM-US Fellowship Program is based on a commitment to excellence in clinical practice and professional development. In response, the IAOM-US Fellowship Program is committed to advancing physical therapy practitioners in evidence-based clinical diagnostics and orthopedic manual therapy.

Fellowship Program Goals

The fellowship program is committed to:

  1. Guiding the fellowship candidate to a foundation of applied and clinical sciences that serve as the basis for effective clinical expertise.

  2. Providing physical therapy professionals with the opportunity to develop advanced skills and processes in the clinical diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal disorders.

  3. Offering the candidates a framework for excellence in patient care in collaboration with professional members from other health care disciplines.

  4. Establishing for the candidates a model for professional leadership, whereby they can serve as frontrunners in clinical management of musculoskeletal conditions and disorders.

  5. Delivering to the a model of mentoring, not only to serve as the foundation of their own clinical experiences, but additionally as the template for the clinical mentoring they provide to future clinicians.

  6. Building within the fellowship candidates a paradigm for effective teaching, thus equipping each candidate with the tools necessary for success as an educator of patients, colleagues and the public.

  7. Providing physical therapy professionals with the opportunity to acquire certification in advanced clinical practice, as well as 'Fellow' status with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists.

Fellowship Objectives

Upon completion of the Fellowship Program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Explain pathoanatomy, pathophysiology, and pathomechanics of the conditions and disorders associated with each specific joint complex.

  2. Apply pathoanatomy, pathophysiology, and pathomechanics concepts to the examination and treatment of each disorder.

  3. Conduct a thorough and concise clinical examination of each specific joint complex. Analyze clinical examination findings in a comprehensive fashion

  4. Differentiate the various disorders of each joint complex.

  5. Classify each patient's condition based on examination findings using a differential diagnostic model.

  6. Perform an accurate surface anatomy examination of each joint complex.

  7. Construct a complete, evidence-based management strategy for each patient based on the clinical examination findings.

  8. Demonstrate advanced proficiency in manual therapeutic techniques, which can include:
    1. Preparatory techniques
    2. Joint-specific treatment techniques
    3. Local treatment of soft tissue lesions
  9. Develop a comprehensive, tissue-specific exercise program that is diagnosis specific.

  10. Evaluate the effectiveness of each patient treatment, thus providing a foundation for management modification.

  11. Value the role and interactions provided by other members of the health care team, including Physical Therapy Assistants, Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Therapists, Clinical Psychologists, and Social Workers.

  12. Perceive the value and clinical application of relevant literature.

  13. Contribute to the body of clinical knowledge through clinical writing and scholarship, teaching and or research.

  14. Establish ethical boundaries for effective manual therapy practice within the scope of his or her state's guidelines.

  15. Serve as an advocate for manual therapy practice in the healthcare community and sociopolitical system.