Temple University Hospital Program

Temple University Hospital offers an extensive and rigorous residency program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), designed to produce highly competent physiatrists skilled in patient care, research, and education. The program is particularly committed to fostering collaborative learning through partnerships with various rehabilitation hospitals, thus broadening the spectrum of clinical exposure for residents.

Training Facilities

The program provides training across several high-caliber institutions. These include:

• Temple University Hospital: A major full-service university hospital with 879 beds, 309 clinical faculty, and a variety of outpatient clinics, where residents engage in multiple training opportunities across specialties.
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP): Recognized as one of the best pediatric hospitals in the country, offering specialized rehabilitation services to young patients, enhancing the pediatric aspect of physiatry training.
• Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network: A 74-bed facility that caters to complex medical conditions, providing a medical and rehabilitative backdrop for comprehensive patient management.
• St. Luke's University Hospital: Acts as a non-profit, tertiary-care teaching hospital, expanding the residents' exposure to varied medical scenarios and reinforcing primary care capabilities in the disabled population.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is robust and multifaceted, comprising core rotations across inpatient and outpatient services. Each resident's experience is enriched through multidisciplinary clinics focused on specialized areas such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and prosthetics and orthotics.

The curriculum is structured as follows:

• Inpatient Services: Residents are assigned manageable patient loads at facilities such as Good Shepherd, emphasizing learning through practical experience.
• Outpatient Services: Involves evaluating and managing patients referred for outpatient physician evaluations, instilling skills in effective patient management and rehabilitation.

Electives allow residents to gain exposure in areas relevant to their personal career goals, such as Sports Medicine and Interventional Spine procedures.

Research and Quality Improvement

The program emphasizes a strong research component where residents are required to engage in scientific projects, complemented by a structured research mentorship program. Quality improvement initiatives are integrated into the curriculum, fostering a culture of excellence and patient safety. The PM&R Quality Improvement Committee enhances resident involvement in quality assurance and patient care improvements.

Resident Wellness Support

The Temple University Hospital PM&R program prioritizes the well-being of its residents. A dedicated Resident Wellness Committee coordinates activities to promote mental and physical health, including workshops and social gatherings. This proactive approach addresses physician burnout and cultivates a supportive training environment.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is classified as competitive, welcoming both MD and DO applicants, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs) who meet academic standards. Specific requirements include completion of an application through ERAS, submission of a personal statement, USMLE/COMLEX certificates for Steps 1 and 2, and three letters of recommendation. Notably, applicants must have graduated from medical school within the last 20 years and are encouraged to submit a letter authored by a physiatrist.

Visa Support

The program offers support for international applicants through sponsorship of J-1 visas, which allows foreign medical graduates to pursue residency in the United States, provided they meet the necessary qualifications.

Conferences and Continuous Education

Continuous learning is encouraged through participation in local, regional, and national PM&R conferences. Opportunities for poster and oral presentations are provided, along with funding support for qualified residents to attend selected events, emphasizing professional development and networking.

Goals and Objectives

The residency program aligns with broader educational objectives that include developing medical knowledge, proficient patient care, and procedural skills, all through a structured learning and assessment process to cultivate the next generation of leaders in rehabilitation medicine.