Mass General Brigham/Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/Harvard Medical School Program

The Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship program is jointly hosted by Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in collaboration with Harvard Medical School. This multi-faceted fellowship provides a comprehensive three-year training experience starting in the second postgraduate year (PGY-2), designed for residents aiming to excel in the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R).

The program is recognized for its high standards in rehabilitation training, demonstrated by being ranked #3 in the nation among rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. Its credibility is further enhanced by being designated as a Model Systems Site for Burn Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury by the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum integrates extensive clinical experience with a robust didactic component, ensuring that fellows meet all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements. Residents are expected to participate actively in clinical rotations which offer exposures to diverse patient populations and types of injuries prevalent within spinal cord injury cases 2.

Rotations and Clinical Experience

Rotations in the program are carefully structured to provide comprehensive exposure to several key disciplines within rehabilitation medicine. There are core clinical rotations along with elective rotations that fellows can opt for, allowing them to tailor their training according to their interests 2. The program guarantees that fellows will attain proficiency in various clinical skills and care strategies essential for effective rehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients.

Research and Scholarly Activity

The program emphasizes the importance of research in advancing the field of PM&R. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful research projects, often collaborating with faculty who are leaders in the domain of spinal cord injury. This focus on research does not only enhance the clinical knowledge base but also cultivates skills necessary for scholarly output 2.

Application Requirements

In terms of application, the program accepts candidates through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with openings primarily in the PGY-2 year. The program does not accept applications outside the National Residency Matching Program, and historically, all positions have been filled through the Match 3.

Competitiveness and IMG Friendly Policy

The fellowship is competitive, attracting a diverse group of applicants including those from allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. Importantly, the program is open to International Medical Graduates (IMGs), and previous IMGs who have successfully graduated from this program have demonstrated exceptional academic qualifications 4.

Visa Support

The program is prepared to sponsor relevant visa types for international applicants. Candidates seeking to pursue this fellowship can expect support for various visa categories that would enable them to train in the United States 4.

Salary, Benefits, and Resident Life

Fellows will receive a competitive salary commensurate with the standard rates set for residency programs within this institution. Benefits typically include health insurance, paid time off, and other allowances that help ensure fellows' well-being during their training 2.

In terms of social life, the program fosters a vibrant resident community with numerous opportunities for collaboration, support, and networking among peers, promoting both personal and professional growth during the fellowship 2.