Fellowship
Evelyn J. Mackin
Hand Therapy Fellowship
Our Mission at the Hand Rehabilitation Foundation
Purpose: Clinical training in hand management and patient care, including pre- and postoperative assessment, treatment planning, splinting, return-to-work programs and outcomes.
Training Expectations: The fellow will be expected to:
- Attend six surgical procedures, post operative follow-ups and rehabilitation sessions,
- Attend and participate at a weekly hand therapy educational meeting,
- Develop a clinical research project/proposal to be completed by the end of the six month period and/or
- Complete a case report for submission to the The Journal of Hand Therapy.
Time Period: Full-time, six-month fellowship from January through June or July through December each year. Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must be a graduate of an accredited occupational or physical therapy program (bachelor’s or master’s degree), be certified through the United States National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) or through the Pennsylvania State Licensure Board for Physical Therapists, licensed, have a minimum of one year clinical experience preferably in the area of upper extremity rehabilitation. Applicants will be selected based on their demonstrated interest in the specialty of hand rehabilitation and their desire to advance their therapeutic skill in hand management. Preference will be given to applicants who evidence financial need and/or will practice in an underserved area.
Behavioral Objectives: A detailed set of 51 behavioral learning objectives has been established to guide the Fellow’s learning experience. Stipend: The Fellow will receive a total stipend of $9,000 for the six month period.
Application Instructions: Applicants will be required to submit academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae and a letter stating prior hand therapy experience and goals. All applications must be submitted to Ms. Lauren DeTullio, OTR/L, CHT, Director of Therapy, Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, 950 Pulaski Drive., Suite 100, King of Prussia, PA 19406. You may click here to download the Fellowship Application online.
The deadline for completed submissions is March 1, 2025 for the July 5, 2025 start date and September 1, 2025 for the January 2, 2026 start date and. The Fellow will be notified no later than April 15, 2025 for the July 2, 2025 start date or November 15, 2025 for the January 2, 2026 start date.
“The extensive mentorship and structured education of the fellowship can take any hand therapy career to the next level. The orthotic tutorials, the complexity of the cases, and the opportunity to work alongside such talented providers has given me the confidence and technical expertise to better serve our Marines and Sailors. I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity!”
– Lieutenant Emmy Alexander, OTR/L, CHT, United States Navy
Fellowship from July, 2017 – June, 2018
“The EMJ Fellowship was a wonderful foundation for my career as a hand therapist. It expanded my understanding of the hand therapy process from surgery to therapy, and the knowledge and skills I learned from highly experienced mentors in the field really shaped the clinician I am today.”
– Annalisa Synnestvedt, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Fellowship from January – June 2014
“I feel extremely privileged and blessed to be one of the selected candidates for the Evelyn J. Mackin Fellowship. The fellowship was a life changing experience that has afforded me immense opportunities for research, publishing, mentoring and enhancing patient care. Once you complete the fellowship, a world of limitless opportunities and networking open up to you – it is so well respected in the hand therapy community.”
– Jodi Seftchick, MOTR/L, CHT
Fellowship from January – June 2010
“I entered the fellowship with a very basic understanding of hand therapy and did not know what to expect, but I got more from the experience than I could have ever anticipated. My experience with the outstanding therapists, surgeons and staff not only developed my skills as a therapist but also made me a better mentor, educator and colleague.”
– Jason A. Suda MOTR/L, CHT
Fellowship from January – June 2009
