Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Program

The Residency Training Program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is focused on developing skilled physiatrists capable of providing care for patients with a multitude of disabilities. The program utilizes the resources of The Mount Sinai Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital Center, and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center to ensure that residents gain a comprehensive clinical and didactic experience. Throughout their training, residents will encounter a plethora of conditions such as spinal cord injury, brain injury, neuromuscular disorders, musculoskeletal injuries, sports medicine, amputations, interventional procedures, and electrodiagnostic studies 1.

The mission of the residency is to foster exceptional physiatrists who excel in knowledge, clinical judgment, team leadership, and interpersonal communication. The program strongly values diversity and inclusion, aiming for its trainees to reflect the vast diversity found in New York City 1. Residents will develop expertise in functional assessment and will be equipped with the skills necessary to conduct critical appraisals of relevant literature, ensuring that they remain committed to lifelong learning in their field.

Curriculum

The curriculum is meticulously designed to nurture expertise in patient assessment and management. It encompasses a well-balanced training experience across both inpatient and outpatient settings. The residency follows a four-year training outline prescribed by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. All residents will complete a one-year internship followed by three years of specialized training in PM&R 9.

The program is notable for being one of only two PM&R residencies in New York State that offer categorical positions, inviting applicants to apply to both categorical and advanced tracks. Applicants aiming to stay in New York City are encouraged to apply for the one-year preliminary Internal Medicine programs at affiliated institutions. During the three years of specialty training, residents will rotate through a variety of essential areas, including pediatric rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, brain injury, electrodiagnosis, and musculoskeletal medicine 9.

Didactics and Grand Rounds

Didactic sessions are scheduled weekly, covering essential topics such as spinal cord injury, brain injury, and musculoskeletal disorders. Residents also participate in hands-on workshops, including ultrasound and botulinum toxin injection techniques. Small group sessions during the PGY2 year focus on musculoskeletal assessment, while the PGY3 year includes anatomy dissection to enrich anatomical knowledge 12.

Rotation Sites

Training occurs across multiple esteemed facilities within the Mount Sinai Health System, including but not limited to The Mount Sinai Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital Center, and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center. Each site specializes in various aspects of rehabilitation and provides residents with opportunities to work with diverse patient populations 13.

Research and Scholarly Activity

The program promotes active participation in research, encouraging residents to engage in scholarly projects and present at national conferences. The Icahn School of Medicine, as a leader in PM&R, has secured notable grants focused on advancing research in spinal cord and traumatic brain injury 19.

Life in New York City

Life in NYC provides residents with rich cultural, gastronomic, and recreational experiences. The Mount Sinai campus is conveniently located near Central Park and various iconic museums, theaters, and diverse dining options. This vibrant lifestyle supports residents in maintaining a work-life balance while enjoying all that the city has to offer 20.

Salary, Benefits, and Visa Support

The residency offers competitive salaries, with a PGY-1 stipend set at $84,479 and incremental increases for subsequent years. A robust benefits package includes meal stipends, vacation days, educational allowances, and wellness days 21. The program is open to allopathic and osteopathic candidates, and visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants, allowing for J-1 and H-1B visa types 21.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is highly competitive and accepts ten total residents each year. It is friendly to both DO and IMG applicants, making it accessible to a diverse array of candidates. Applicants should be prepared to submit applications through prescribed pathways, including ERAS 20. Special application requirements may include considerations related to the year of graduation and certain standards surrounding examination scores, such as a maximum number of failed STEP exams.