Burke Rehabilitation Hospital Program

The Burke Rehabilitation Hospital offers a comprehensive three-year advanced Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Residency Program in collaboration with Albert Einstein College of Medicine. This program adheres to the standards set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) as well as the American Board of PM&R. The residency experience at Burke is designed to provide residents with a diverse range of educational opportunities.

Burke Rehabilitation Hospital is a free-standing, 150-bed facility that specializes in various aspects of rehabilitation. Residents can expect to gain valuable clinical experience in the following specialized units: cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, orthopedics and amputee rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, neurorehabilitation, stroke management, and care for traumatic brain injury patients. Working within this multifaceted environment enables residents to care for a wide spectrum of patient populations while directly collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals including neurologists, physiatrists, internists, and orthopedic specialists 1.

Residency Training and Curriculum

The educational framework of the PM&R residency is carefully structured and delivered through a comprehensive 12-month didactic curriculum. This curriculum includes core rotations in neuro-rehabilitation, orthopedic and amputee care, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation 2. The residents participate in a broad range of lectures and seminars covering critical topics such as anatomy, neuroanatomy, pathophysiology, sports medicine, and cancer rehabilitation, among others.

Residents have the opportunity to attend monthly Grand Rounds, participate in clinical case conferences, and engage in a monthly journal club to enhance their understanding of ongoing research and clinical practices 3. The program also emphasizes practical experience, through rotations at both Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and external sites like Montefiore Medical Center and a Level 1 trauma center.

Research Opportunities

Engagement in research is highly encouraged during the residency program, with opportunities to present findings at national conferences and internal Research Days. The program fosters an environment where residents can develop publishable research, although this is not mandatory for graduation 3.

Application Process and Requirements

Burke welcomes applications from both domestic and international medical graduates. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must have Certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and successful completion of the USMLE Steps 1 and 2 examinations at the time of application. All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English 2.

To facilitate the application process, candidates are required to submit various documents, including three letters of recommendation, a current CV, a medical school transcript, and the MSPE (Dean's letter). These materials must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) as part of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) 2.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The PM&R residency program at Burke is known for being highly competitive. It is welcoming towards applicants from diverse backgrounds, including DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) and IMG candidates. The program considers applications from international graduates who fulfill specific eligibility criteria, reflecting its openness to a wide range of candidates 1.

Regarding visa sponsorship, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital supports J-1 and H-1B visa types, allowing international residents to pursue their training at the institution. This arrangement is particularly beneficial for IMGs seeking a residency opportunity in a supportive environment.2

Salary and Benefits

Residents at Burke are offered a competitive salary structure, with varying levels for each post-graduate year (PGY). For example, a PGY-2 resident receives approximately $74,450 per annum, while a chief resident can earn about $84,750 2. The program also provides a robust benefits package that includes health and insurance benefits, four weeks of vacation annually, allowances for educational resources, and limited onsite housing options available to residents.