Written by:
Athanasia G. Prentza
Senior Physiotherapist, AHCB (USA), PQI (USA), PGDip, OMTC (UK), CDNP (DNI S.A.)
In the specialized field of hand therapy, where intricate knowledge of the upper extremity’s
anatomy, pathology, and rehabilitation is paramount, the value of a hand therapy
fellowship cannot be overstated. This advanced training opportunity equips healthcare
professionals with the skills and expertise to excel in their practice and deliver exceptional
patient care.
I come from Greece, where hand therapy is not well developed among physical therapists.
As a physiotherapist, I always felt that the upper extremity was a gap in my knowledge,
limiting my ability to provide comprehensive care to my patients. When I discovered
Virtual Hand to Shoulder Fellowship (VHSF), I saw an opportunity to bridge this gap and
elevate my practice to a new level. I chose the VHSF’s virtual hand therapy fellowship
because of its structured, evidence-based curriculum and the opportunity to learn from
leading experts in the field.
My goal was to enhance my clinical reasoning, improve my treatment strategies, and gain
specialized skills in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. Additionally, I wanted to
expand my professional network and connect with therapists who share the same passion
for advancing hand therapy.
Hand therapy is a niche domain requiring an in-depth understanding of the complex
interplay between muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and nerves. A hand therapy
fellowship provides participants a focused learning environment to master these
intricacies. Fellows are exposed to a broad spectrum of conditions, from traumatic injuries
and surgical reconstructions to chronic conditions like arthritis and nerve disorders. By
working under the guidance of seasoned mentors, fellows gain advanced insights into
diagnostic techniques, evidence-based treatment protocols, and innovative therapeutic
interventions.
One of the unique aspects of the VHSF Fellowship is its virtual format for both a
comprehensive curriculum and remote mentorship. Without onsite mentorship, I had to be
proactive in applying my learning to real-world clinical cases. I used case studies and peer
discussions to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
The fellowship encouraged me to think critically and refine my decision-making skills,
which ultimately helped me become more independent and confident in handling upper
extremity cases. To compensate for the lack of direct, hands-on mentorship, I sought
guidance from senior therapists in my workplace, engaged in online forums, and reviewed
recorded lectures and case discussions provided by the fellowship. This approach allowed
me to gain valuable insights and integrate my newfound knowledge into my daily practice.
For physiotherapists considering a hand therapy fellowship, my advice is to embrace the
learning process and seek every opportunity to apply your knowledge. If you don’t have
access to onsite mentorship, leverage online communities, collaborate with experienced
colleagues, and engage in discussions with peers. A virtual fellowship like VHS provides
flexibility, but it requires self-discipline and active participation to maximize its benefits.
Completing the VHS Fellowship has significantly enhanced my clinical expertise and
professional confidence. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the advancement of hand
therapy in Greece by sharing my knowledge, mentoring other therapists, and advocating
for the integration of specialized upper extremity rehabilitation into physiotherapy
practice. This experience has opened doors for me, and I am excited to continue growing
in this field.
A hand therapy fellowship is more than just an educational program; it is a transformative
experience that molds practitioners into experts and leaders. By deepening their
knowledge, refining their skills, and expanding their professional network, fellows are
better positioned to make a lasting impact on their patients and the profession as a whole.
For those passionate about advancing their expertise in hand therapy, a fellowship is an
investment that yields lifelong rewards.
