Broward Health Program

Overview of the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program

The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency program at Broward Health North is located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, an area known for its vibrant community and proximity to several major cities, including Fort Lauderdale and Miami. The program offers a unique blend of academic rigor and community-oriented practice, aiming to train leading physiatrists in a supportive environment.

Established with the goal of providing exceptional care, the PM&R program is committed to addressing the healthcare needs of diverse patient populations. The residency has received initial accreditation from ACGME and offers 12 categorical positions. Training occurs in an environment that emphasizes both compassionate care and medical excellence.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The PM&R residency program spans three years, accepting residents starting at the PGY2 level. In order to be eligible for this advanced training, applicants must complete a preliminary year (PGY-1) in medicine, transitional, or surgical internship. The program’s curriculum is meticulously designed around high-yield PM&R topics delivered through a combination of didactic learning and clinical practice.

The didactic curriculum involves monthly educational modules that cover a range of topics critical to rehabilitation medicine, including:

• General PM&R
• Stroke
• Brain and Spinal Cord Injury
• Musculoskeletal/Rheumatology/Sports
• Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Wheelchairs
• Pain Management
• Geriatrics/Pediatrics/Neuromuscular Disorders
• Medical Rehabilitation for Cardiac, Pulmonary, and Cancer patients

Every Friday is designated as a protected didactic day from 9 am to 12 pm, allowing residents to engage in educational presentations and workshops apart from their clinic duties.

Clinical Rotations and Training Sites

Residents benefit from a robust clinical training experience across eight carefully selected inpatient and outpatient facilities, which include:

• Broward Health North
• Broward Health Medical Center
• Broward Health Coral Springs
• Jackson North Medical Center
• West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center
• Florida Spine & Sports Specialists
• The Neurology Institute
• Boca Trauma & Rehab

This broad spectrum of training sites enables residents to gain diverse clinical exposure and experience in managing various conditions commonly treated in PM&R, including stroke, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and pediatric rehabilitation.

Application Process

The application for the PM&R residency program is rigorously structured and requires that candidates provide a passing score for USMLE Step 1 and/or COMLEX Level 1 prior to the interview. Additionally, a passing score for USMLE Step 2 and/or COMLEX Level 2 is necessary for ranking purposes. Applicants must submit the following:

• Dean’s Letter (MSPE)
• Three Letters of Recommendation (at least one from a physiatrist)
• Personal Statement
• Medical School Transcripts (with translated international transcripts, if applicable)
• ECFMG Certificate, if applicable
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume

International applicants must also meet specific requirements for Florida Medical Training Licensure and may be eligible for J1 visa sponsorship.

Research and Academic Excellence

The program emphasizes the importance of research in the field of PM&R. Residents are expected to engage in clinical and basic science research, enhancing their knowledge and understanding of rehabilitation principles while contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge in the field.

Competitiveness and Applicant Support

The PM&R residency program is recognized as competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program fosters an inclusive environment for all applicants, focusing on cultivating the skills necessary to excel in the field of rehabilitation medicine.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Key features of the Broward Health PM&R program include:

• A diverse patient care experience in a variety of clinical settings.
• Opportunities for residents to engage in community service and outreach programs.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of care and compassion in the treatment of patients.
• Strong mentorship from seasoned faculty members with extensive experience in PM&R.

The program's objective is to prepare its residents not just for board exams but also for real-world clinical practice, emphasizing patient-centered care throughout the training process.