Cleveland Clinic Foundation Program

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation offers a three-year ACGME-accredited residency program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), emphasizing both clinical and academic excellence. Under the guidance of esteemed faculty and the leadership of the PM&R department, the program is designed to equip residents with the necessary skills to excel in the field.

Program Overview

The PM&R residency program accepts two residents each year for a total of six residents across three years. The training takes place in various clinical settings, including Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospitals in Avon and Beachwood, as well as at MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio and the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center. The program has gained national recognition for innovative training methodologies and superior patient care services.1

Curriculum

The 36-month training program is structured into three distinct years, each with specific rotations designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of PM&R:

First Year (PGY-2)

In the first year, residents will spend eight months in inpatient rehabilitation units, focusing on General Rehab and Stroke Rehab. Two months will be dedicated to outpatient clinics, and two months for Hospital Consults at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus.

Second Year (PGY-3)

The second year focuses on more specialized training, including four months of Electrodiagnosis and a one-month lecture series in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic Neurology Department. Additionally, there will be two months dedicated to Pediatric Rehabilitation, two months of outpatient clinic experience, and two months of inpatient rehab.

Third Year (PGY-4)

The final year is primarily outpatient-focused, comprising eight months dedicated to various outpatient clinics (General PMR, Sports Medicine/MSK, etc.), three months in inpatient rehab, and one elective month that allows residents to explore areas of personal interest.

Rotations

Residents rotate through various specialty areas, including:

• Electrodiagnostic training
• Pediatric inpatient and outpatient rehab
• Consultations in neurology, rheumatology, and other disciplines

This diverse array of rotations ensures exposure to a wide variety of patient conditions and treatment protocols involved in rehabilitation.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the training process at Cleveland Clinic PM&R. Residents are encouraged to collaborate with faculty on research projects leading to peer-reviewed publications. Each resident is expected to complete a research project over their training period and present findings at relevant rehabilitation meetings internationally, nationally, and locally.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Cleveland Clinic PM&R residency program is uniquely equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and an interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation. The partnership with Select Medical enhances the program, providing access to advanced rehabilitation technologies and methodologies.

Training Sites

Residents gain experience at multiple respected facilities:

• Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital at Avon
• Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital at Beachwood
• Cleveland Clinic Children's Rehab Hospital
• Cleveland Clinic Family Health Centers
• MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio
• Cleveland VA Medical Center

Resident Life and Benefits

Residents at Cleveland Clinic enjoy a range of benefits, including competitive salaries, health insurance, free memberships to on-campus fitness facilities, and various wellness programs aimed at promoting resident well-being. Furthermore, residents are supported for travel expenses related to presenting their research at national conferences.

Application Process

Applications are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). International medical graduates must hold ECFMG certification and have passed all parts of the USMLE exams (Steps 1, 2CK, and 2CS) or the COMLEX levels 1 and 2. The program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visa types, making it accessible for international applicants.2

Competitiveness

Due to its prestigious reputation, the program is highly competitive. Candidates with strong academic records and experience in clinical settings, as well as those holding osteopathic degrees or coming from international medical schools, are encouraged to apply, as the program strives to create a diverse resident cohort.

Due to the rich diversity in training and clinical exposure offered at Cleveland Clinic, graduates of the PM&R residency program are well-prepared to enter the workforce as competent and confident physiatrists.