What is this specialty about?
Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) also called physiatry or rehabilitation medicine, is the specialty that work on enhancing and restoring functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. A physician having completed training in this field is referred to as a physiatrist or rehabilitation medicine specialist.
How many years is PM&R residency?
PM&R residency is 3 years plus 1 year PGY-1, it means 4 years total. You have to apply in the same match season to both PGY-1 (prelim medicine or transitional year) plus the advanced PM&R program. Some programs are Categorical ie they have the PGY1 built-in so you don't have to send two separate applications to that program. You can do your internship residency in one institution and the residency in other or just do them together in the same program if available.
What are the average scores for AMGs and IMGs who match in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency?
The average scores for AMGs who matched in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in USMLE step 1 and 2 CK are 214 and 224 repectively.
For IMGs who matched in PM&R the average scores in USMLE step 1 and 2 CK are 212 and 213 respectively.
What are the match statistics for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation?
About 50% of positions offered in the match go to AMGs and about 50% of positions go to IMGs. About 90% of AMGs who apply do match and about 61% of IMGs who apply do successfully match.
What should AMGs do to increase their chances to match in PM&R?
During your medical school rotations try to schedule your electives mainly in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to get touch-base with the attendings so you will get LORs from them later on. Also you need a book to impress the faculty you are interacting with and increase your knowledge at the same time. Most people who match will have the ** Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation **. During interviews, at most of them, you will be asked about PM&R books you have read, and having the answer ready, as above, will further push your ranking up in the NRMP match.
What should IMGs do to increase their chances in matching in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation?
Doing observerships and getting US LORs is an important part of your ERAS application where program directors will be looking for such information.
We also strongly recommend that you have the same book as AMGs in your shelf, namely the ** Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ** as above. Applicants are also differentiated based on the knowledge and their interest in the domain they are applying to, so be ready.
Also, IMGs should apply to the same programs where we helped their peers to match in the previous years, these programs are found in many states as described in the below mentioned list. This is the full list of the IMG friendly Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency programs as book or in pdf form which you can easily download it to your computer or any other device from amazon: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation IMG Friendly Residency Programs List
For other lists please see www.matchadoc.com
I matched already, what should I do to survive PM&R residency?
To survive Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency you will need to get some books which are needed to build up your knowledge and other books to help you pass the inservice and board exams. These books are traditionally recommended by program directors and widely used by residents, you can find them here:
** Recommended Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Books **
** Recommended Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Books **
