Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

The Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, offers a comprehensive 24-month training program designed for individuals who have completed a residency in adult physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). The fellowship emphasizes the care and rehabilitation of children and adolescents with various pediatric rehabilitation diagnoses. Graduates of the program often hold prominent positions in clinical practice, medical education, and research.

Clinical Highlights

The fellowship allows fellows to care for a diverse patient population, which includes children with both common and rare rehabilitation conditions. The program implements a unique integrated care model that promotes coordination between various services and specialties within the hospital and clinics, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care. Fellows engage in longitudinal continuity clinics and benefit from flexible, individualized rotations that encompass a range of inpatient and outpatient specialty services. Opportunities for rotation at Shriner’s Hospitals for Children and the University of Florida/Brooks Hospital provide fellows additional exposure to pediatric rehab practices.

Education Highlights

Fellows benefit from a robust didactic curriculum that encompasses core PRM board review, journal clubs, and conferences that address specific interests of the fellows. Additionally, the fellowship offers access to optional curricula in subjects such as anatomy, ultrasound, global health, and healthcare delivery. This ensures a comprehensive educational experience tailored to the fellow's professional goals.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the fellowship experience. Fellows receive mentorship and dedicated research time to cultivate their interests in academic fields. The program is supported by access to nationally recognized researchers and offers abundant opportunities for skills training, including support for local and national presentations of research findings.

General Program Features

The Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine fellowship is characterized by its CARF accreditation and designation as a Level 1 pediatric trauma center. The program includes regular meetings with faculty advisors for guidance and support in professional development. Travel support is available for fellows who wish to present their research at national meetings.

Training Experience

The fellowship follows a structured 13-block curriculum, dividing the time between inpatient and outpatient experiences, with at least six months dedicated to both domains. Core rotations cover a variety of specialties including neurology, orthopedic surgery, and pediatric rheumatology, while elective rotations provide opportunities to explore areas of specific interests, such as hematology-oncology or palliative care.

The orientation of clinical experiences allows fellows to evaluate and manage conditions like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and sports injuries, among others. Fellows also partake in procedures like botulinum toxin injections and baclofen pump refilling, and they learn to advocate for care needs across educational and home care systems.

Application Process

One fellowship position is offered every other year on a competitive basis. Candidates must have completed a fully accredited PM&R residency program. Applicants submit their materials through ERAS, including a letter of recommendation from their residency program director. Selection for interviews occurs in the fall, where candidates have the opportunity to meet with faculty and learn more about the program.

Visa Support

The fellowship program provides visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates, facilitating their participation in the fellowship.

Program Competitiveness

The Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic is competitive. Candidates are encouraged to prepare a strong application to highlight their credentials and experiences during the interview process.