Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a three-year advanced residency program, fully accredited by the ACGME, which admits four residents each year. The program aims to provide extensive training and experience within both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation medicine, making it a robust choice for future physiatrists.

The program is centered around one of the most advanced medical facilities in Pennsylvania, which boasts 551 licensed beds and serves as both an adult and pediatric Level 1 trauma center. The Penn State Rehabilitation Hospital, opened in 2010, has become a cornerstone of the training environment, enhancing the residency experience with its dedicated facilities for rehabilitation, including a Wound Care Center and an Outpatient Day Program, which was expanded in 2014 to accommodate increasing demand.

Program Curriculum

The residency program offers comprehensive didactic and clinical training throughout its duration. The curriculum includes weekly educational sessions such as Morbidity and Mortality case presentations, Grand Rounds, and PM&R Research Lecture Series. Residents also participate in monthly Journal Clubs to critically evaluate current research in the field.

Specific training topics and rotations are designed to provide a well-rounded educational experience. For instance, PGY-2 residents focus on Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, and Stroke Rehabilitation, while PGY-3 residents engage in Pediatric Care, Neurophysiology, Sports Medicine, and Interventional Pain Management. PGY-4 residents hone their skills in consults, wound care, and advanced procedures.

Research Opportunities

The program promotes a strong research culture through its PM&R Research Laboratories, which include facilities for exercise and locomotor training. Additionally, residents have the opportunity to engage with the Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute, focusing on translating research into clinical practice. Annual events such as the Resident/Fellow Research Day further allow residents to showcase their research and engage with the broader academic community.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), which must include a curriculum vitae, personal statement, medical school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Candidates are expected to have competitive scores on the USMLE or COMLEX, with a general threshold of around 220 being considered competitive. U.S. clinical experience is preferred, and candidates must also be certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) if they are international medical graduates.

Visa Support

The program supports international medical graduates by offering J-1 visas exclusively, processed through the ECFMG. Other visa types are not sponsored. All international applicants must ensure they are ECFMG-certified before the match process, although certification is not required at the time of application.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The program is considered competitive, attracting a wide range of applicants, including those from international backgrounds. It is important for potential candidates to meet the stringent criteria established by the residency program. Additionally, the program embraces diversity, actively promoting an inclusive learning environment through dedicated resources and opportunities for residents from underrepresented backgrounds.

Wellness and Support

Recognizing the importance of well-being in the training process, the residency emphasizes wellness initiatives through several channels. Resources are available for emotional, spiritual, and physical health support. These resources include programs like BeWell and the Partners in Medicine group, which help facilitate connections among residents, their families, and the local community.

In summary, the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center represents an opportunity for extensive training, research involvement, and professional development within a supportive and diverse environment.