Sofie Besser, PT, DPT, ATC

Undergraduate school: Purdue University, bachelor's in athletic training
Graduate school: Northwestern University, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Oak Park, Illinois
Professional interests: orthopedics, performing arts rehabilitation, sport performance, manual therapy
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose the Johns Hopkins and GWU Orthopedic Residency because of the mentorship opportunities offered in the clinic as well as with classroom instruction. I was looking for a program that offered teaching opportunities and the mentorship provided during academic experiences was something I found unique to the Johns Hopkins/GWU program. There are also so many resources and programs offered here that I can take advantage of to truly tailor my experience and everyone is eager to share their specialized knowledge.

Tina Esbenshade, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: Biola University, bachelor's in kinesiology
Graduate school: Baylor University, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Yakutat, Alaska
Professional interests: orthopedics, manual therapy, sports performance, athletic development
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose Johns Hopkins because I wanted to learn from and collaborate with highly skilled clinicians who want to provide the best care possible. I was drawn to this program because every faculty/clinical member contributes to an environment of success and is willing to tailor their mentorship to fit your needs. I have also wanted to participate in the education of physical therapy students and the partnership with George Washington University allows me to do this.
What I like about Baltimore: I like how Baltimore is easily accessible and offers a variety of outdoor activities and sports opportunities. I also appreciate how each neighborhood feels like a small community with plenty of things to do!

Jessica Straub, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: University of Maryland, College Park, bachelor's in kinesiology and dance
Graduate school: University of Maryland, Baltimore, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland
Professional interests: orthopedics, performing arts rehabilitation- dancers and aerialists, sport performance
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose the Johns Hopkins residency program because of their commitment to providing exceptional patient centered care. This program will provide me the most individualized and specialized mentorship so that I can grow as a clinician and educator.

Jared Rodriguez, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: University of Maryland, College Park, bachelor's in kinesiology
Graduate school: University of Maryland, Baltimore, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Eldersburg, Maryland
Professional interests: orthopedics, manual therapy, osteoarthritis, low back pain, tendinopathy
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose Johns Hopkins after interviewing a few former and current residents. They were all kind, competent, and spoke endlessly about the support they received from the program that pushed them to become better, patient-centered clinicians.
What I like about Baltimore: I grew up in the suburbs, so I never even dreamed of living in the city. Baltimore has treated me so well and made me fall in love with its charm, great food options, and diverse population.

Jacob Flathers, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: University of California, Davis, bachelor's in exercise biology with a minor in psychology
Graduate school: University of California, San Francisco and San Francisco State University, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: San Francisco Bay Area, California
Professional interests: orthopedics, athletic development, sports performance, injury mitigation, patients across the lifespan
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose the Johns Hopkins and GWU Orthopaedic PT Residency program because it offers a diverse clinical experience in an academic hospital-based setting as well as the opportunity to gain teaching experience through GWU’s DPT program. In addition to offering structured mentorship in both the clinical and academic settings, I also felt that the involved faculty and mentors genuinely care about my development and are willing to adapt my experience to meet my goals and expectations. Lastly, I wanted to experience living in a different part of the country so I could explore new perspectives and a new environment—I believe this will help me grow both professionally and personally.
What I like about Baltimore: I love exploring a new area and discovering what the different neighborhoods have to offer. It is a very walkable city with plenty of public transportation options that allow you to explore other East Coast cities as you desire.

Tristan Lucy-Speidel, PT, DPT, ATC

Undergraduate school: University of Lynchburg, bachelor's in athletic training
Graduate school: University of Lynchburg, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Fort Valley, Virginia
Professional interests: orthopaedics, sports performance, running, manual therapy
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose the Johns Hopkins and GWU Orthopedic Residency program because I wanted to propel my clinical skills over the course of this next year, as well as introduce myself to the functions of a faculty member in a doctorate level physical therapy program.
What I like about Baltimore: Two of my favorite places in Baltimore so far are the inner harbor and the NCR trail for runs.

Sydney Rogers, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina, bachelor's in exercise science
Graduate school: University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Lexington, South Carolina
Professional interests: orthopaedics, manual therapy, and post-operative orthopedic trauma
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose Johns Hopkins for my orthopedic residency because of the opportunities to receive mentorship in both a clinic and classroom setting. Having the opportunity to treat patients and teach DPT level students at George Washington University is a unique addition to an orthopedic physical therapy residency and one I felt drawn to. Johns Hopkins emphasis on patient centered care, mentorship and professional development is inspiring and I knew it would set me up for success throughout my career.
What I like about Baltimore: I have been in the Baltimore area for 4 years now and continuously find new things to do. You are close to so many hiking trails, beaches, and major metropolitan areas that it is impossible to be bored. Everything you would like to do is also a quick car ride or train ride away, which is great!

Jeff Adams, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: University of Virginia, bachelor's in sociology and English language and literature
Graduate school: University of Missouri, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Sandston, Virginia
Professional interests: orthopedics, manual therapy, sports performance, gait and running analysis
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose Johns Hopkins because the residency program provides the balance between expert mentorship, teaching opportunities and professional development that I was seeking for my post-professional education. The specialized orthopedic training through Johns Hopkins will better enable me to mentor future students and to provide optimal patient-centered care throughout my career.
What I like about Baltimore: I am new to the area, but I have enjoyed trips to the Inner Harbor and hiking trails around Columbia. As an actor and singer, I look forward to exploring the fantastic arts scene in the Baltimore area.

Rashi Anand, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: Franklin and Marshall College, bachelor's in biology
Graduate school: The George Washington University, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Professional interests: orthopedics, performing arts, sports performance, manual therapy, chronic pain
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose the Johns Hopkins orthopedic residency program for the ample opportunities offered through working for a massive healthcare system including interdisciplinary networking, one-on-one mentorship and the pedagogical experiences gained through teaching a class of second year doctor of physical therapy students. Additionally, I chose this residency program for its emphasis on patient-centered care and the use of the virtues of evidence-informed practice to guide treatment interventions.
What I like about Baltimore: I hope to explore more of the city throughout the residency, however, I do enjoy the diversity in food options, the harbor and the famous Baltimore National Aquarium. I also like that it is so close to Washington, D.C.

Kinross Obiefule, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: Seton Hill University, bachelor's in sciences
Graduate school: Clarkson University, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Professional interests: orthopedics, sports, manual therapy
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I worked at the Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center as a physical medicine and rehabilitation technician and had the opportunity to witness quality care being provided to patients by the physical and occupational therapists that I worked with. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to complete a residency at Johns Hopkins after seeing firsthand the caliber of physical therapists that strived towards optimal patient care. Their systematic approach with each body region paired with one-on-one mentorship, teaching opportunities at The George Washington University and other professional opportunities creates an optimal environment for learning and growing as a clinician.

Gina Hisky, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: Towson University, bachelor's in exercise science
Graduate school: University of Maryland, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Woodstock, Maryland
Professional interests: orthopedics, sports performance, manual therapy, running assessment
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose Johns Hopkins because I felt that I would receive the most individualized and specialized mentorship with this institution. The hands on care and one-to-one training that this program has is incomparable.
What I like about Baltimore: Growing up local, I love everything about Baltimore! There is an endless amount of things to do: shopping, restaurants, running trails/exercise classes and the Ravens!

Erin O'Donnell, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, bachelor's in kinesiology
Graduate school: Northwestern University, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Mount Prospect, Illinois
Professional interests: chronic pain management, low back pain, manual therapy
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose to complete my residency at Johns Hopkins because the physical therapists here are continually striving to improve their clinical skills and further our profession. I chose this program because of the extensive mentorship opportunities that it offers.

Leanne Scott, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: California State University, Chico; bachelor's in exercise physiology
Graduate school: The University of Vermont, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Bellevue, Washington
Professional interests: orthopedics, sports performance, manual therapy, gait and running analysis
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose Johns Hopkins because it was clear the mentors are passionate about physical therapy and are truly invested in our professional development. In addition, the program offers a unique opportunity to teach at George Washington University, providing us with the experience and resources to take a formal role in academia in the future.
What I like about Baltimore: I enjoy running along the inner harbor, and there are an infinite number of restaurants to try.

Jacob Travis, PT, DPT, OCS

Undergraduate school: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville; bachelor's in kinesiology
Graduate school: Emory University, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Professional interests: sports performance, gait and running analysis, rehab psychology, manual therapy, EMG research
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I had the opportunity to intern at Johns Hopkins during physical therapy school, and after experiencing the incredibly supportive culture they've created here and witnessing the highest level of patient care I had ever seen, I knew this residency would be the best route for me to grow as a young clinician.
What I like about Baltimore: Baltimore is big enough to have a lot of cool attractions and entertainment around but not so big that it's overwhelming. It's also one of the most underrated food cities in the country; I firmly stand behind that! And geographically, we're pretty centrally located in the Mid-Atlantic which means we're a reasonably short drive or train ride to a lot of major cities for quick weekend getaways.

Monica Ziebart, PT, DPT, OCS

Undergraduate school: University of Arkansas, bachelor's in kinesiology
Graduate school: Emory University, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Professional interests: orthopaedics, sports performance, vestibular, manual therapy
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose the Johns Hopkins program because they developed a residency program that is focused on fostering the education, clinical skills and confidence of their residents. They always make sure to emphasize the importance of patient care and ensure that all time spent treating and evaluating patients is 1:1. They also create an environment that caters to your special interests and provides you with an opportunities to teach at George Washington University.
What I like about Baltimore: I love living so close to the harbor and being able to run near it everyday!

Heather Baeta, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: University of Florida, bachelor's in applied physiology and kinesiology with specialization in exercise physiology
Graduate school: Emory University, doctorate in physical therapy
Professional interests: orthopaedics, manual therapy, adolescent sports
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I completed a clinical rotation and administrative internship at Johns Hopkins as a student, and the staff was extremely supportive and encouraging to my learning process. I felt like Johns Hopkins would be the best place to receive continued mentorship in orthopedics. I also wanted to further develop my teaching skills, which is a unique opportunity offered in conjunction with George Washington University.
What I like about Baltimore: I like participating in the intramural sports leagues and going to the First Thursday Festival — a free summer concert on the first Thursday of every month! I also like how close I am to different hiking and running trails.

Emily Jurschak, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: College of the Holy Cross, bachelor's in psychology
Graduate school: Columbia University, doctorate in physical therapy
Professional interests: orthopaedics, sports performance, spine, ankle, shoulder
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: The residency program is truly committed to developing its residents as thoughtful, reflective and effective clinicians with the aid of its passionate and dedicated mentors. Johns Hopkins nurtures professional and personal growth through mentorship, research and teaching opportunities. Its teaching opportunities at George Washington University are truly unique and a great opportunity to explore different realms of the physical therapy world.
What I like about Baltimore: The food, the Inner Harbor and the accents.

Megan Kudlac, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: Walsh University, bachelor's in biology
Graduate school: Walsh University, doctorate in physical therapy
Professional interests: orthopaedics, manual therapy, sports performance
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose the Johns Hopkins orthopaedic PT residency because of the vast number of experienced mentors in the residency program, the numerous opportunities available through the Hopkins network and the partnership with George Washington University where I am able to assist with teaching in the musculoskeletal course series.
What I like about Baltimore: My favorite part about being in the Baltimore area is the number and variety of hiking trails!

Christina Jaimes, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: Purdue University, bachelor's in fitness management
Graduate school: Duke University, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Cedar Lake, Indiana
Professional interests: orthopedic physical therapy, performing art/musician rehabilitation, sports performance, neurological rehabilitation
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: My clinical experience as a student intern at Johns Hopkins was one of the most enriching learning experiences of my professional career. I felt invested in, and wanted to continue growing with those among the best of the best in physical therapy.
What I like about Baltimore: The history, culinary scene, fine arts, and educational opportunities. (And autumn!)

Eric Mahabir, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: University at Buffalo, bachelor's in exercise science
Graduate school: University at Buffalo, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Stony Point, New York
Professional interests: orthopedics, manual therapy, spine, shoulder and knee
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: To be a part of the best medical institution in the world.
What I like about Baltimore: I like the history, people, food, and inner harbor.

Matt Weber, PT, DPT

Undergraduate school: Hanover College, bachelor's in kinesiology and integrative physiology
Graduate school: The George Washington University, doctorate in physical therapy
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Professional interests: orthopedics, sports, sports performance, tactical athletes, manual therapy
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose Johns Hopkins because I believed it would provide the best didactic education and clinical experiences possible throughout my year of residency.
What I like about Baltimore: I like the close proximity to a lot of different hiking trails.