Julie Berube, PT, DPT, of Syracuse, New York, was awarded the professional designation of board-certified clinical specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy (OCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

To obtain board certification, candidates must submit evidence of 2000 hours of clinical practice in one of nine specialty areas: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Geriatrics, Neurology, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Pediatrics, Sports, and Women’s Health Physical Therapy. In addition, candidates must successfully complete a rigorous examination, demonstrating specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency in a specialty area of physical therapist practice. As of 2016, approximately 5% of PT’s in the United States are board certified in orthopaedics, and Julie joins only 2.5% of physical therapists in New York State with an OCS certification.

Berube graduated from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, in 2014 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. She is the team lead physical therapist at Onondaga Physical Therapy’s Dewitt/Fayetteville office.

Berube specializes in the evaluation and treatment of orthopaedic injuries, treatment of runners, concussion, dizziness and vestibular rehabilitation. “Becoming a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy demonstrates my commitment to pursuing higher knowledge in order to best serve my patients,” Berube said.

ABPTS was established by APTA as the governing body that awards certification to physical therapists who meet approved requirements. ABPTS oversees the physical therapy clinical specialist certification and maintenance of specialist certification programs and awards certificates to physical therapists meeting approved requirements.