Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

This online repository houses relevant resources and contact information for students seeking career advice. We encourage you to review the career-related materials provided (e.g. Specialty Webinar, Interview Questions, Research, etc.) as you seek support in your journey through medical school.

If you have further questions that are not addressed on this page, please feel free to contact a Specialty Faculty Mentor for further guidance.

Match Preparation and Charting Outcomes Heading link

You are more than your Step Scores! Use the NRMP page to look at the qualifications of applicants who have successfully applied to your specialty.

Should applicants do away rotations?

Yes, they can do one. It is more important to get a strong LOR thanto do audition rotation at multiple sites. If you were unable to get a PM&R elective at Schwab and you would like to rotate, please contact Dr. Lie-Nemeth to arrange a rotation.

Research

Research is recommended, but not required. Bench research is not critical. According to the NRMP, US seniors who matched had an average of 1.9 research experiences and 2.1 publications, presentations, or abstracts.

Letters of Recommendation

  • Number of letters recommended – 3
  • Chair’s letter/SLOE/special letter required? No
  • Number of letters from within specialty – 1
  • Number of letters from away rotations/institutions – N/A
  • Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? We don’t offer interviews until it is received, but will review applications before it comes out
  • It is highly recommended that a student have one strong letter from PM&R physicians from the institution where the student did their PM&R rotation

Personal Statements

PM&R programs are looking for students to discuss their specific interest in PM&R and what experiences led to their decision to pursue this particular specialty

Application Timing

  1. When do programs in your specialty generally begin reviewing applications? October
  2. When do programs in your specialty begin offering interviews? October
  3. When does your program generally offer interviews? November
  4. Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? We don’t offer interviews until it is received, but will review applications before it comes out

Interview Advice

Applicants should know a little bit about each program where they plan to interview. During the interview, you should be truthful, honest, and know your own CV.  Be engaging!

Post-Interview Advice

Let the program know you’re interested. Send a thank you note specific to the program.

For further guidance, contact our specialty faculty liaison:

Theresa Lie-Nemeth, MD
theresa.lie-nemeth@sinai.org

Michelle Gittler, MD
gittler@uic.edu

Helpful Resources Heading link

  1. The NRMP publishes a survey of Applicants each year. This report presents the results of selected items from the 2022 NRMP Applicant Survey. The report documents factors that applicants weigh in selecting programs (1) at which to interview and (2) to rank in the Main Residency Match. It can be found HERE.
  2. The NRMP Publishes a survey of Residency Program Directors. This report examines the factors program directors use to select applicants to interview and rank. Data are reported for 22 specialties and the transitional year in the Main Residency Match. It can be found HERE.
  3. Looking for residency programs?  The AAMC interactive, Careers in Medicine Website is where you should be! LINK
  4. Having difficulty deciphering this information?  Contact your Student Affairs Career Advisor on your campus!!!

Below you will find resources to help you get started when applying for residency.