Senior Physical Therapist - Orthopaedic Surgery

The Orthopaedic Surgery department at MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art treatment for adults and children with musculoskeletal bone tumors, including osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, Giant Cell tumors, chondroblastoma, chondrosarcoma, chordoma, and soft tissue sarcomas. Our goal is to maximize the function of each patient with advanced surgical and reconstructive techniques. We also manage orthopaedic problems in oncologic patients, including fractures, arthritis, avascular necrosis and osteoporosis.

We are seeking a purpose-driven clinician who balances deep clinical compassion with a high-level professional rigor. As a key member of our multi-disciplinary team, you will utilize critical thinking and a creative approach to navigate complex cases. Our ideal candidate is a dynamic problem-solver who thrives under pressure and remains agile in an evolving clinical environment. Our candidate has an interest in program development, research and academics to elevate our current practice and continuously improve our patient centered outcomes.  
 

What sets us apart is the close collaboration between our PT/OT teams and our surgeons, creating a seamless, team based approach to patient care. Our therapists don’t just treat patients—they also shape the future of our programs through quality initiatives, research, professional publications, and academic involvement. It’s a place where clinicians truly grow and make a lasting impact.

What’s unique:
•    Specialized role in orthopedic oncology serving AYA, adult and elderly populations.
•    Direct collaboration with Orthopedic Oncology faculty and MLP’s; opportunities to influence clinical decisions in rehabilitation and recovery.
•    Close knit muti-disciplinary team approach to care. 
•    Participation in MDT care conference, research meetings and learning cancer outcomes research program (LCORP)
•    Internal research staff support for existing and new research protocols, IRB and regulatory compliance. 
•    Opportunities and support for engagement in innovation and the IDEAS lab.  

Patient Assessment (20%):
•Assess patients’ needs by selecting and performing appropriate assessment tools including protocols and procedures aligned with evidence based practice and minimum data set.
•Develop & revise interventions, programs as needed to achieve positive outcomes.
•Identify patient/family communication style. Seek alternate forms of communication with patients, family &/or staff when necessary
•Identifies and implements appropriate outcome measures for patient population to track functional changes and outcomes at initial evaluation and follow up treatments.

Patient Treatment/Quality (20%)
•Identify and initiate evidence based physical therapy interventions which result in improved/maintained patient functional statusl
•Able to effectively and efficiently treat a wide variety of diagnoses and conditions.
Demonstrates advanced clinical reasoning in treatment of all patients.
•Provide patient and family teaching and education.
•Demonstrates proficiency in timely, efficient and appropriate ordering of DME.
•Delegates and supervises appropriately physical therapy assistants and rehab techs, including required documentation per Practice Acts.
•Effectively responds to emergencies and / or unsafe situations.

Patient Care Documentation (20%)
•Documentation is concise, logical and uses appropriate and approved grammar, spelling and abbreviations.
•Documentation supports billing including G codes.
•Completes all documentation per timeline outlined in department policy and as required to optimize patient care and flow.
•Captures charges in accordance with departmental policy.
•Documentation integrates and synthesizes all objective data and supports current clinical picture.

Professional Behaviors & Teamwork (15%):
•Functions effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
•Communicates clinical and logistical information in a timely manner using effective written and verbal communication.
•Demonstrates initiative with all department and institutional policies and procedures and is compliant with timelines when indicated.

Patient Care Workload (15%):
•Meets targets for volume of billable.
•Effectively manages workload to balance completion of consults and treatments.
•Effectively initiates communication with supervisor/peers to assist with patient care when there is a need, such as for priority patients in the inpatient and/or outpatient area, as clinically appropriate.

Performance Improvement and Quality Leadership (10%):
•Provides clinical leadership in performance improvement, quality initiatives or program development including activities such as:
•Publishing, teaching, and research both within the institution and the community.
•Mentoring new employees or providing integral support in student educational program and educational events within the department as well as the institution.