Emory University School of Medicine Program
Location:
Atlanta, GASpecialty:
Brain injury medicine (Physical medicine and rehabilitation)ACGME Code:
3471234001The Emory University School of Medicine Program in Brain Injury Medicine, specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), offers a comprehensive residency training designed to cultivate proficient physiatrists through diverse clinical experiences, research, and hands-on education.
Residency Curriculum
The residency is structured over three years, transitioning from PGY-2 to PGY-4, with the expectation that applicants have completed an intern year at an accredited institution. Each year is meticulously planned to ensure that residents accrue a breadth of knowledge and experience.2
Core Rotations
Residents are exposed to a vast array of clinical settings through various core rotations:
- Inpatient Rehabilitation: Focus on brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, pediatrics, geriatrics, and general rehabilitation.
- Outpatient Services: Residents engage in outpatient pain management, sports medicine, and electrodiagnostic medicine.
- Consultation Services: Including ICU-level consultations at Grady Memorial Hospital, a level I trauma center.
- Specialized Rotations: At premier facilities such as the Shepherd Center and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, offering insights into pediatric rehabilitation.
This diverse exposure allows residents to develop both clinical expertise and procedural skills essential for future practice.5
Research Opportunities
Engagement in research is a critical component of the residency, with each resident required to participate in an approved research project. This includes a formal presentation on Resident’s Day, with opportunities for peer-reviewed publication encouraged throughout the residency.7
Didactic Education
The program includes a robust educational component with structured didactics, journal clubs, and various conferences, covering topics from spinal injuries to pediatric rehabilitation.6
Unique Program Aspects
One distinct feature of the program is the training at prestigious facilities such as the Shepherd Center, ranked among the top rehabilitation hospitals nationally. The residency emphasizes practical procedural experience, with residents performing a significant volume of interventional procedures like epidurals and injections.8
Training Locations
Training occurs across multiple facilities, including:
- Emory Rehabilitation Hospital
- Shepherd Center
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
- Atlanta VA Medical Center
- Grady Memorial Hospital
These varied sites provide residents with exposure to differing patient populations and practice styles.10
Resident Life and Wellness
Emory places significant emphasis on resident wellness, incorporating a dedicated wellness committee and resources to promote work-life balance. Weekly emails provide information on community wellness activities in Atlanta, fostering a supportive environment for residents.9
Visa Support and Application Requirements
The program is known for being accessible to IMGs and DOs, demonstrating a commitment to diversity in its fellowship. The program may sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible applicants. Candidates should possess a completed intern year, and the program has specific criteria for graduation year and STEP exam performance, with an emphasis on holistic evaluation of applicants.3
Salary and Benefits
Residents receive competitive salaries as they progress through their training, with the following yearly stipends:
- PGY-2: $65,716
- PGY-3: $67,860
- PGY-4: $70,533
Comprehensive medical benefits are provided, along with dental and vision options available at a discounted rate.11
Life in Atlanta
Residents enjoy life in Atlanta, a vibrant city rich with cultural diversity, outdoor activities, and recreational opportunities. The climate is conducive to year-round outdoor living, with a moderate cost of living compared to other major cities.4
Website
Director
Ashley Johnson, MDBrain Injury Medicine Program Director Appointed Since July 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$72,303First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
8.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Atlanta, GA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Atlanta, GA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Atlanta has some high-crime areas, but overall safety is similar to other major U.S. cities. It's recommended to be cautious and be aware of your surroundings.
- Fun Activities: Atlanta offers a vibrant cultural scene with museums, parks, restaurants, and outdoor activities. You can enjoy the Georgia Aquarium, Piedmont Park, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
- Climate: Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and high humidity in the summer.
- Races and Population: Atlanta is a diverse city with a blend of different races and cultures. It has a significant African American population and a growing Hispanic community.
- Education: Atlanta is home to prestigious universities like Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, providing opportunities for continued education and research.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Atlanta is moderate compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing costs can vary based on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Atlanta is within driving distance to cities like Nashville, TN (about 3.5 hours), and Charlotte, NC (about 4 hours), offering weekend getaway options.
- Pros: Vibrant cultural scene, diverse population, moderate cost of living.
- Cons: Some high-crime areas, hot and humid summers.
Interview Questions
