Emory University School of Medicine Program

The 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