Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Residency program at Indiana University School of Medicine represents the only residency of its kind in Indiana, delivering extensive training in key areas such as musculoskeletal and brain injury medicine. This three-year program commences at the PGY-2 level and necessitates completion of a transitional year residency beforehand. Graduates are well-prepared through a balanced range of inpatient and outpatient experiences, ensuring a comprehensive education.

One of the program's defining characteristics is its commitment to an optimal learning environment. The program accepts four residents annually, fostering close professional relationships between residents and faculty. With a 100% board pass rate and fellowship placement rate, the program prides itself on its small class sizes, which allow for tailored educational experiences without over-reliance on residents for clinical responsibilities. Residents are placed in settings designed primarily for learning rather than labor demands.

Clinical Experience

Residents in the PM&R program at IU School of Medicine partake in a well-structured mix of inpatient and outpatient experiences—approximately 50% in each domain. Training covers essential areas such as electromyography (EMG), sports medicine, and pediatric rehabilitation, providing residents with a solid foundation in various methodologies and treatments. In addition, the program offers optional exposure to interventional techniques, enhancing the skill set of its trainees. Residents typically assume first call responsibilities every nine days, gaining crucial real-world experience during their training.

Training Facilities

The residency program boasts affiliations with several prestigious medical facilities in Indianapolis, including the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Richard L. Roudebush Indianapolis VA Medical Center, and IU Health facilities such as the Neuroscience Center, Methodist Hospital, North Hospital, West Hospital, and Eskenazi Health. These sites are instrumental for residents to obtain hands-on clinical experience across different practice settings.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation emphasizes its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of training. Acknowledging various dimensions of diversity—including race, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and more—the department aims to create a broadly inclusive environment that enriches the educational experience for all residents.

Curriculum Structure

The program's curriculum spans four years of graduate medical education, structured specifically for PM&R training. Residents complete several rotations during their residency. The transitional year focuses on fundamental clinical skills, while PGY-2 residents concentrate on inpatient rehabilitation, encompassing pediatrics and various disability types. The third year emphasizes specialization with opportunities in pediatric rehabilitation and sports medicine, complemented by elective learning experiences in prosthetics and orthotics. The fourth year allows for consolidation of skills, including advanced training in injection techniques and dedicated preparation for medical board examinations.

Lifestyle Medicine

In an innovative approach, the program integrates a Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum in collaboration with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. This unique aspect of the program targets chronic disease prevention through evidence-based methods, covering areas such as diet and physical activity.

Workshops and Hands-On Experience

Residents participate in practical workshops throughout the curriculum, gaining experience in various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Workshops cover vital skills such as ultrasound usage, spasticity management, and fluoroscopic techniques, facilitating proficiency through hands-on practice under expert supervision.

Resident Wellness and Support

The program recognizes the importance of resident wellness and offers extensive support, including mentorship programs that pair new residents with faculty and senior residents. Social events are organized to foster community, and resources addressing nutrition, physical health, and mental well-being are made readily available to ensure a positive residency experience.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates and sponsors various visa types, making it accessible for eligible international applicants. The PM&R residency is competitive, and candidates typically have strong academic records. There may be specific application requirements concerning graduation year or maximum failed STEP exam attempts, reflecting the rigorous standards upheld by the program.

Resident Experience and Work-Life Balance

Residents consistently report maintaining a good work-life balance throughout the PM&R training. The call schedule is moderate and evolves as residents progress, with PGY-2 having the most demanding schedule, which lightens by the PGY-4 year. Opportunities for moonlighting may arise after the second year, contingent upon program director approval.