Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus Program

Program Overview

The Larkin Community Hospital Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Residency Program is an ACGME-accredited three-year training program that offers comprehensive postgraduate training for residents in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. The program is designed to equip residents with the necessary clinical and didactic knowledge required to excel in this specialty. It emphasizes evidence-based practices aimed at improving patient functionality and quality of life.1

Located in Hialeah, Florida, the program is part of a larger healthcare system, Larkin Health System, which includes various teaching hospitals and facilities. The program emphasizes collaborative training through diverse interactions with healthcare professionals and exposure to varied clinical settings, allowing residents to learn from multifaceted patient populations both diagnostically and culturally.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is structured to ensure that residents receive training across different relevant areas in the field of PM&R. This includes rotations in both inpatient and outpatient settings at multiple affiliated sites that provide a range of experiences, such as:

• Inpatient rehabilitation at Larkin Community Hospital and affiliated centers.
• Outpatient services focusing on specific therapies, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies.
• Exposure to specialty practices including neurology, orthopedics, and palliative care.

Each year, residents participate in a series of didactic sessions that complement their clinical work, including case reviews, Grand Rounds, and journal clubs.2

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the training program, with residents encouraged to engage in scholarly activities throughout their residency. Resources are available for residents to carry out research projects, supported by the Department of Research and Academic Affairs at Larkin. This includes mentorship for research based on the latest developments in PM&R, enabling residents to contribute to both local and international research initiatives through programs like Team 11, a global research collaboration network.3

Training Sites

The primary training site for the program is Larkin Community Hospital, enhanced by partnerships with various specialized facilities. The well-rounded training sites include:

• West Gables Rehabilitation Hospital, focusing on acute inpatient rehabilitation.
• South Florida Spine & Sports Specialist, integrating interventional spine care.
• The Neuroscience Center specializing in neurologic rehabilitation.
• Signature Healthcare Center of Waterford for sub-acute rehabilitation.

Such diversity in training locations ensures residents gain exposure to a broad scope of medical conditions, enhancing their clinical acumen and readiness to operate independently in various clinical settings upon completion of the residency.4

Unique Aspects of the Program

The mission of the Larkin Community Hospital PM&R residency program is not only to train proficient physiatrists but also leaders in the field. The program encourages residents to actively engage in community health initiatives, particularly in underserved areas in Florida after completing their training. The program also fosters a culture of lifelong learning among residents, empowering them with the skills to lead in academia, research, and patient service.1

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants for the residency must be graduates of either a COCA or LCME accredited medical school and have successfully completed a preliminary year in an AOA-approved or ACGME-accredited program. The program is open to US citizens and international medical graduates (IMGs) who have attained ECFMG certification or hold a full, unrestricted medical license in a US jurisdiction.5

The selection process is competitive, and only applicants via the ERAS system will be considered. Those applying should be mindful of specific qualifications and formal requirements as outlined in the application materials provided by the program.2

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. Typically, sponsorship is provided for J-1 and H-1B visa types, aligning with the program's aim to welcome a diverse cohort of residents from various backgrounds who can contribute to the clinical and educational environment.6

Competitiveness

The Larkin PM&R program is considered competitive, with a strong track record of residents performing well on board examinations (99% pass rate) and graduating with excellent fellowship and job placement statistics. The diverse clinical exposure and comprehensive training prepare graduates to be highly competitive in the job market and for advanced fellowship opportunities, reinforcing the program's standing within the PM&R community.1