Implementation of Acute OB Physical Therapy Programs (Parts 1, 2 & 3)

Part 1: During this special SIG collaboration, Kathleen Hahn, PT, DPT, from Mayo Clinic, and Julie Watson, PT, DPT, from Northeast Georgia Health System, shared their insights on designing and successfully implementing acute OB physical therapy services at their hospitals. They introduced attendees to this emerging practice area, detailed their practices, and highlighted the crucial role of physical therapy in supporting newly postpartum individuals in the acute setting. 

Part 2: Through a Q&A-style presentation, the speakers discussed how they designed and implemented acute OB physical therapy services at their hospitals, offering valuable insights and preparation tips for others looking to establish similar programs.

Part 3: This time, our panel will share advice from the trenches—the strategies, arguments, and practical steps that helped them overcome barriers and gain institutional support. Join us to learn proven approaches, hear real-world success stories, and take away actionable insights for advancing Acute OB PT in your own hospital system.

This webinar event originally aired on June 19, 2024 (Part 1), September 23, 2024 (Part 2), and December 8, 2025 (Part 3).

Speakers

Kathleen Hahn, PT, DPT

(Mayo Clinic)

Kathleen Hahn is a 2020 graduate from the Mayo School of Health Sciences in Rochester, MN. Dr. Hahn's first job after school was in the acute setting and she continues to work in general acute care on the weekends. Dr. Hahn joined the pelvic therapy practice at Mayo in 2021 and now has her Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. In addition to acute pelvic recovery and early mobility postpartum, her areas of interest include male pelvic floor dysfunction and the oncology population. Dr. Hahn is originally from Ontario, Canada but resides in Rochester, MN with her husband and their two dogs. 

Julie Watson, PT, DPT

(Northeast Georgia Health System)

Julie Watson received her doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of North Georgia in 2010. Since that time, she has worked in many settings including the acute care setting for the last 10 years. Julie’s initial focus was neurological rehab with an emphasis in treating stroke and Parkinson’s patients. However over the last year and a half, she has helped to establish and grow one of the states only acute care postpartum programs to advocate for this population and assist in recovery after delivery. When she is not working, Julie enjoys spending her time with her husband and two children.

Elizabeth Northrop, PT, DPT

Board-Certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist

Program Coordinator & Acute Care Physical Therapist (Orlando, FL)

Beth Northrup is a board-certified women’s health clinical specialist with expertise in obstetric physical therapy and advancing evidence-based care for birthing individuals. She practices in acute care at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital, one of the nation’s largest perinatal centers, where she has expanded physical therapy services for pregnant and postpartum patients and strengthened continuity of care across settings. Beth also serves as Program Coordinator for the University of Central Florida/Orlando Health Women’s Health Physical Therapy Residency, designing innovative training across both acute and outpatient environments. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Healthcare Administration to further improve access to comprehensive maternal care.

Talya Krumholz, PT, DPT

Outpatient Pelvic Health & Orthopedic Physical Therapist (Washington, D.C.)

Talya Krumholz is an outpatient pelvic health and orthopedic PT with specialties in performing arts rehabilitation, pregnancy and postpartum care, sports medicine, and gender-affirming care. She practices at George Washington University Hospital, where she provides comprehensive care across diverse pelvic and musculoskeletal populations.

Savannah Colhour, OTR/L, CNS

Senior Occupational Therapist (Washington, D.C.)

Savannah Colhour is a senior occupational therapist with eight years of experience in acute care at George Washington University Hospital. She works across ICUs, MedSurg, and the Emergency Department and recently helped develop and launch the hospital’s new C-Section Protocol.

Kelsey Sliter, PT, DPT

Acute Care & Inpatient Rehabilitation Physical Therapist (Kansas City, KS)

Kelsey Sliter is an acute care and inpatient rehab physical therapist specializing in maternal health, trauma, orthopedic, neuro, and burn rehabilitation. Originally from Tulsa, she earned her bachelor’s in Health and Exercise Science from the University of Oklahoma and her DPT from the University of Kansas in 2020. She has practiced at The University of Kansas Health System since graduating.

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