Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital and Care Network/University of Chicago Program

The Schwab Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program at Sinai Chicago is designed for innovative, question-driven resident physicians who challenge the status quo in healthcare. This program promotes continual inquiry and curiosity among its residents, which is essential for improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities and inequities in local communities.

Established in 1912, Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital was the Midwest's first fully licensed rehabilitation facility, and it has a long history of serving diverse populations. The residency program is supported by a dedicated faculty who provide comprehensive training in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), ensuring that residents thrive in a well-rounded educational environment. This program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Program Structure

The PM&R residency is a three-year advanced level program that includes extensive clinical exposure. The first year (PGY-II) is spent primarily at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, while the subsequent years (PGY-III and PGY-IV) offer additional rotations at affiliated facilities, enhancing the breadth of experience achieved during residency.

Curriculum and Rotations

Residents are exposed to a variety of rehabilitation disciplines throughout the program, including:

• **PGY-II Rotations:**
  • Spinal Cord Injury: 10 weeks
  • Traumatic Brain Injury: 10 weeks
  • General Rehabilitation, including COVID Recovery: 10 weeks
  • Stroke: 10 weeks
  • Outpatient clinics: 10 weeks
• **PGY-III Rotations:**
  • Pain Management at the University of Chicago: 5 weeks
  • Elmhurst Hospital Pain Clinic: 5 weeks
  • Musculoskeletal/Sports Medicine at the University of Illinois: 10 weeks
  • Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG): 10 weeks
• **PGY-IV Rotations:**
  • Junior Attending at Schwab: 10 weeks
  • Inpatient Consults at Mt Sinai Hospital: 10+ weeks
  • Electives: 6+ weeks

This structured rotation schedule ensures that residents gain the necessary competencies and clinical skills across a diverse range of conditions and treatment approaches, such as sports medicine, chronic pain management, and outpatient rehabilitation.

Didactic Education

The residency program values education through a robust didactic curriculum. Residents partake in regular lectures tailored to meet the ABPMR educational requirements as well as the ACGME PM&R milestones. Additional learning opportunities include:

• Journal Clubs
• Teaching Rounds
• Morbidity and Mortality Conferences
• Continuous Improvement in Safety Conferences

These educational activities are designed to foster a collaborative learning environment and encourage residents to engage in meaningful discussions regarding clinical practices and advancements in rehabilitation.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a vital role in the residency experience, providing residents with opportunities to engage in community health rehabilitation services, clinical research, and quality improvement initiatives. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and encourages residents to contribute to projects with the potential to impact patient care outcomes.

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

The program champions diversity and social justice in medicine, recognizing the value of having a workforce that reflects the community it serves. Residents learn in a culturally rich environment, with a patient population reflecting a wide spectrum of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. This approach enhances the residents' understanding of individual patient needs and promotes a holistic approach to rehabilitation.

Salary and Benefits

Residents at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital receive competitive salaries as well as a comprehensive benefits package:

• PGY-2 Salary: $71,134.68
• PGY-3 Salary: $73,568.16
• PGY-4 Salary: $76,251.36

Benefits include medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, a generous vacation policy, and educational stipends for books and conference attendance. Each resident also has access to resources that support mental wellbeing and work-life balance.

Visa Sponsorship

The PM&R Residency Program does not sponsor visas. Therefore, international medical graduates (IMGs) interested in applying must adhere to the standard requirements applicable to all applicants. While clinical experience in the U.S. is preferred, it is not a strict requirement for application.

Resident Selection and Competitiveness

The resident selection committee is composed of the program director, senior residents, and faculty members, reflecting a collaborative approach to choosing candidates who demonstrate a commitment to the core values of the program. The application process encourages applicants to engage in meaningful dialogue about their experiences and visions for their future in PM&R. The program is highly competitive and values diversity among applicants.