Ryan Childress, a physical therapist in Rehabilitation Services at The University of Tennessee Medical Center, recently received his Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certificate from the American Physical Therapy Association. Childress is a team leader and clinical manager at the medical center’s Hardin Valley Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Clinic.

“In order to receive this prestigious specialization, Ryan had to demonstrate extensive knowledge in the field of orthopedic physical therapy through experience of which he has 12 years, continuing education, and passing a rigorous exam that tests his intricate clinical knowledge of orthopedic tests, problem solving, assessment, evaluation and treatment skills,” said Brent Pendergast, outpatient clinical manager at UT Medical Center. “Ryan has proven to be one of the most thorough, empathetic and knowledgeable therapists we have.”

Childress is a graduate of the University of Florida where he majored in physical therapy. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association. Prior to joining the medical center, he was the clinic manager at CORA Rehabilitation, Sports & Orthopedic Rehabilitation in Tampa.

Childress lives in West Knoxville with his wife, Dawn. In his spare time, Childress enjoys reading, exercising and listening to music.