While many were preparing for the start of the new school year this past weekend, four students were celebrating their graduation. The MGH Institute’s Clinical Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy honored Audrey Eastman, Angelina McNulty, Grace Naylor-White, and Rylee Rizzolo during a ceremony in 1 CW on Saturday for the completion of the year-long residency. The four will sit for the exam to be Board Certified Orthopaedic Physical Therapist Specialists. 

MGH Institute graduates have maintained a 100% first time pass rate on the exam for the past 10 years.
 
The event also marked the conclusion of the first year for the program’s new director, Dr. Benjamin Adams, who took over for Dr. Keshrie Naidoo this year.  

“I would also like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Keshrie Naidoo for guiding this program over the last decade and helping it grow into the remarkable program that it is today,” said Dr. Adams. “To Keshrie, the other faculty, and our residents, I am deeply appreciative of the grace and support you’ve shown as I stepped into this role. I am proud of what we have accomplished and truly grateful for everyone’s help.”

In addition to honoring the residents, Dr. Adams presented Jessica Hildebrandt with Excellence in Residency Mentoring Award, which recognizes an MGH Institute residency faculty member who demonstrates exceptional skill and dedication in mentoring clinical residents — someone who not only develops clinical reasoning and advanced practice skills, but also provides guidance, support, and role modeling that extend far beyond patient care.

“What stands out is how her feedback is always offered with the intent of helping residents become the best clinicians they can be, while still allowing them to stay true to their own style and identity as physical therapists,” Dr. Adams said of the reason she was nominated. “It is clear to us that Jessica represents the very best of what mentorship can and should be: supportive, challenging, compassionate, and inspiring.”