Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialty at a Glance

Physiatrists empathize readily with their patients and treat the whole person rather than a single organ system or disease. They frequently work with a team of allied health professionals to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation program for the patient. The physiatrist is a team leader. Physiatrists also use medical history and physical examination in combination with X-rays, laboratory studies, and other diagnostic techniques in patient management. Physiatrists frequently elect to use special techniques such as electrodiagnosis. Some also perform injections into the joints or spine.

For phase 1, focus on gaining fundamental knowledge across the board. PM&R physicians focus on all body systems; a basic understanding is key to helping our patients. 

Electives in both inpatient rehabilitation and incorporating time in the outpatient world seeing neuro rehabilitation patients and musculoskeletal patients are beneficial to understand some of the breadth of the specialty.

An internal medicine sub-I would be beneficial for understanding and feeling comfortable with many of the general medicine diseases and their management, as many inpatient rehabilitation patients will have many medical co-morbidities.

Yes, doing an away rotation within PM&R is a great way to gain more experience and show interest in programs.

Research is always a positive aspect of an application, and it helps to be specific to PM&R but is not an absolute need on an application in this specialty.

Four total years are required to complete a PM&R residency. Some programs are categorical, where you complete all four years within one program, and others are advanced, where you complete a separate intern year (prelim medicine, prelim surgery or transitional year) and then complete years two to four at the PM&R residency.

Always choose writers who know you will write an excellent letter. Getting at least one letter of recommendation from a PM&R attending with whom you have worked is generally recommended.

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) offers resources for medical students and a guide to the specialty. 

The PM&R program is committed to making this multi-year journey an excellent experience for faculty and residents. One way we try to stay connected is through our mentorship program. Mentorship is not only about professional growth but also an instrument for connecting people in ways they may not have normally had a chance to interact.

Our mentorship program was developed to allow multiple interactions, guidance and connectedness with staff and co-residents. PGY 1 residents are assigned a core faculty member and a PGY 3 resident as mentors as they start their adventure out of medical school. Even if the resident is at a different institution for their transitional year internship, they will have a connection to the residency program during that first year.

As PGY 3s, residents can give back and become mentors to the incoming PGY 1 class. They also have a chance to change or add a mentor that may help with their specific career planning, whether they are planning to pursue a fellowship or employment.