SUNY Upstate Medical University Program

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Residency program at SUNY Upstate Medical University offers comprehensive training in physiatry, preparing residents for future fellowships and careers. The program's strengths include a wide range of clinical experiences, with specializations in Pediatrics, Pain Management, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Musculoskeletal Outpatient, and Prosthetics and Orthotics. Research opportunities and support are also emphasized within the academic program.

The mission of the program is to prepare PMR physicians to enhance the health of special populations through patient-centered, competent, culturally sensitive, and systems-based medical care. Advocacy for inclusive and quality healthcare, along with clinical research to advance PMR-related science, are core components of the program.

Residents benefit from training at the Upstate hospital, the sole Level 1 trauma center in Central New York, alongside a Children's Hospital, a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), and a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) rehabilitation program. The facility provides a diverse range of clinical experiences and exposure to high-acuity cases.

The program offers residents the opportunity to engage in various rotations, including inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient musculoskeletal and interventional spine, outpatient pain medicine, and spinal cord injury units, among others. Residents also participate in quality improvement activities and are expected to complete one clinical project and create at least one abstract for submission.

Testimonials from current residents highlight the well-rounded experience, excellent exposure to various aspects of rehabilitation medicine, and the availability of resources for research and conference participation. Recent graduates have pursued fellowships in prestigious institutions like Emory University, Spaulding Rehab (Harvard), University of Miami, and more.

The program involves rotations designed to enhance residents' PM&R knowledge, patient care, and leadership skills, with opportunities for elective months in various specialties. Residents engage in research, quality improvement projects, and regular didactics and workshops, fostering learning in disability-related concepts, neurophysiology, pain medicine, pediatric rehabilitation, and more.

Syracuse and Central New York, where the program is located, offer a friendly and affordable lifestyle with abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, a vibrant cultural scene, and a range of dining options. The area boasts easy access to transportation, quality schools, and proximity to various recreational activities for residents to enjoy during their training.