Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science/Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital (Jacksonville) Program

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency program at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, in collaboration with Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, is designed to train future leaders in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). This program provides a comprehensive and hands-on approach, preparing residents to deliver exceptional rehabilitative care through both clinical practice and research excellence.

Program Overview

The residency is structured to emphasize the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disabilities affecting function. Residents gain extensive experience working within an interdisciplinary team that includes nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and various other specialties, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital collaborate to provide a balanced training experience between outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation settings, enhancing the quality of education received by residents.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of 31 four-week blocks of required rotations covering essential areas such as inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient musculoskeletal and neurologic rehabilitation, electromyography, pediatric rehabilitation, and hospital consultation services. Additionally, residents partake in elective and research activities to tailor their educational experience.

Each year is designed to progressively build clinical competence:

• Year 1 (PGY-1): Involves a preliminary year focused on internal medicine.
• Year 2 (PGY-2): Combines clinical inpatient rotations at Brooks Rehabilitation and outpatient rotations at Mayo Clinic Florida, along with elective time.
• Year 3 (PGY-3): Emphasizes neurophysiological training in the Electromyography Laboratory and integrates further outpatient service rotations.
• Year 4 (PGY-4): Focuses on advanced clinical rehabilitation training with more independence.

Residents benefit from a large, varied patient population, allowing for extensive hands-on learning and close mentorship with experienced physiatrists.

Training Sites

Training takes place at both the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital. Brooks Rehabilitation is highly regarded and is recognized as the leading rehabilitation hospital in Florida, offering numerous subspecialty programs and a wealth of resources for residents to leverage during their training.

Clinical Training

Clinical training consists of rotations that allow residents to gain hands-on experience while ensuring they develop critical skills necessary for their future practice. Residents participate in direct patient care while working alongside interns and allied health professionals in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Specific rotation areas include:

• Inpatient rehabilitation units for spinal cord, stroke, and brain rehab.
• Outpatient clinics such as general PM&R, cancer rehab, and sports medicine.
• Electromyography training in a specialized lab.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research, encouraging residents to engage in scholarly activities. There is a structured research training program that begins in the second year, guiding residents to plan and execute research projects, often focused on musculoskeletal health. Resources for conducting research are readily available, and residents are supported in presenting findings at national meetings.

International Medical Graduates (IMG) and Application Process

The program is competitive, with typically two positions available annually. While the program welcomes international medical graduates, applicants must have achieved ECFMG certification and passed the necessary NBME exams. A focus on excellent spoken and written English proficiency is also a requirement, ensuring effective communication in a collaborative environment.

Call Frequency and Work-Life Balance

Residents are expected to follow ACGME duty hour recommendations. During the PGY-1 year, residents engage in scheduled clinical activities without overnight shifts, while from PGY-2 to PGY-4, they may take on call responsibilities primarily during inpatient rotations at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital. All efforts are made to ensure a balance between training and personal well-being.

Support and Visa Sponsorship

The program offers robust support for residents' mental and physical well-being, including access to fitness centers, counseling services, and social activities across the campus. In terms of immigration, the program sponsors H-1B and J-1 visa types for qualified international applicants.

Resident Life

Life as a resident at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville combines rigorous training with a rich community atmosphere. The surrounding Jacksonville area offers a multitude of recreational and social activities, from beach outings to sports events, ensuring that residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle outside of their demanding medical training.