Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Emory University is dedicated to providing an exceptional residency education in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). Upon completing the fully accredited residency program, graduates are expected to exhibit the requisite knowledge and skills to excel as physiatrists and to become leaders in the field of PM&R. This commitment to excellence is reflected through extensive clinical exposures, bedside teaching, formal lectures, and engagement in research activities, ensuring that residents become well-rounded healthcare professionals capable of pursuing diverse avenues within PM&R 1.

Curriculum Overview

The PM&R residency program is structured across three years (PGY-2 to PGY-4), following the completion of an intern year at an accredited institution. The program provides robust training in various rehabilitation settings, including specialized rotations focusing on stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, pain management, and musculoskeletal medicine. The clinical training takes place in several prominent hospitals and rehabilitation centers within the Atlanta area, including Emory Rehabilitation Hospital, Shepherd Center, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta 1 5.

Each rotation is designed with specific educational goals, which include participation in a monthly journal club and other didactic learning experiences. The residency education includes a core curriculum that covers multiple rehabilitation concepts spanning eighteen months and is led by experienced members from various medical specialties, ensuring a comprehensive learning environment 1.

Research Opportunities

Residents are required to participate in an approved research project and are encouraged to present their findings at the end of each academic year during Resident’s Day. This academic engagement nurtures critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for evidence-based practice in PM&R, equipping graduates with the competencies to engage in scholarly research throughout their careers 1 10.

Training Locations

The residency program benefits from partnerships with several leading institutions in Atlanta, enabling residents to gain experience in various clinical settings. The key training sites include:

• Emory Rehabilitation Hospital
• Shepherd Center
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (Scottish Rite)
• Atlanta VA Medical Center
• Grady Memorial Hospital
• Emory Sports Medicine Complex

This extensive network of training sites enhances the exposure of residents to different clinical scenarios, practice styles, and rehabilitation techniques 5.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Residents in this program enjoy a balanced combination of inpatient and outpatient training experiences. A notable aspect of the residency is the opportunity to engage in advanced procedures and manage higher acuity patients, creating a solid foundation for future employment or fellowship opportunities. In particular, the program offers extensive procedural training that includes performing several invasive interventions, ensuring residents are well-prepared for independent practice 8.

The program places a strong emphasis on wellness and resident life. The Residency Wellness Committee actively promotes initiatives to improve resident well-being, alongside providing resources for cultural and wellness activities in Atlanta 11.

Visa Support

The program offers support for international medical graduates (IMG) and can sponsor visas for eligible candidates. These visa types typically include the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa and the H-1B visa, thus facilitating opportunities for international candidates to apply and engage in the residency program.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The PM&R residency program at Emory University is considered competitive. As part of the selection criteria, preferences may lean towards candidates with strong academic records and relevant clinical experiences. The program does accept both MD and DO graduates, making it inclusive for candidates from diverse medical backgrounds. Special application requirements may include the completion of an intern year, and specific benchmarks in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) may be observed, making it essential for applicants to be well-prepared before applying 2.

Living in Atlanta

The location of the residency program in Atlanta offers a vibrant environment, characterized by its rich culture, art, and outdoor leisure activities. Residents can take advantage of the city's numerous parks, dining options, and sports teams, creating a balanced off-duty life alongside rigorous residency training. Its geographic location, being only a short commute from the world’s busiest airport, and its temperate climate, makes Atlanta an attractive city to live and work in 3.

The PM&R residency program at Emory University thus combines rigorous training, innovative research opportunities, and an engaging living environment, while promoting wellness and providing extensive clinical exposure to its residents.