Tower Health Program
Location:
Wyomissing, PASpecialty:
Physical medicine and rehabilitationACGME Code:
3404100091NRMP Program Code:
1661340C0The Tower Health Program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Wyomissing provides an extensive and structured residency training experience that prepares residents for a successful career in this specialty. The residency program is characterized by a combination of clinical rotations, research opportunities, and a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, making it an appealing choice for medical students.
Curriculum
The residency is structured into a four-year program with specific training objectives during each year. In the first year (PGY-1), residents participate in various specialty rotations that intersect with physical medicine and rehabilitation, delivered at Reading Hospital—an over 700-bed, Level-1 Trauma center with a busy emergency department.2 The PGY-1 year offers didactic and clinical learning experiences essential for developing broad clinical acumen.
During the second, third, and fourth years (PGY-2 to PGY-4), the curriculum deepens, focusing more intensively on managing a diverse patient population through various rehabilitation modalities and therapies.
Rotations
The program includes a variety of rotations that cover critical areas such as acute rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, diagnostics, and specialized clinics like the Good Shepherd Pediatric Rehabilitation Center, enhancing the comprehensive training of residents. Specifically, residents will have significant inpatient experiences across multiple settings, including the 62-bed Acute Rehabilitation Unit and a secure Traumatic Brain Injury Unit, both CARF-certified.5
Elective Rotations
Elective rotations are also offered, allowing residents to tailor their education based on specific interests in fields closely related to physical medicine and rehabilitation, including neurology, pain medicine, and sports medicine.
Research Opportunities
Residents are encouraged to engage in research endeavors, focusing on advancements in rehabilitation practices. The faculty comprises seasoned practitioners and educators who can guide residents through manifold research methodologies relevant to physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Unique Aspects of the Program
One notable feature of the Tower Health residency is its focus on wellness and resident well-being.6 The program promotes a balanced lifestyle through planned activities, which include happy hours, luncheons, and group outings, supported by a dedicated Resident Wellness Committee. Through its Employee Assistance Program (EAP), residents gain access to confidential counseling and additional resources, ensuring support both mentally and physically during their training.
Training Sites
The primary training site, Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing, boasts diverse facilities including a 111-bed rehab unit equipped with state-of-the-art technology. This setting enables hands-on experiences with patient populations suffering from conditions such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological disorders.7 Residents also benefit from the advanced diagnostic and therapeutic resources available, including an electrodiagnostic lab accredited by the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine.
Additionally, the program engages in interdisciplinary care, collaborating closely with a broad range of specialties, ensuring comprehensive patient management and high-quality rehabilitation outcomes.
Visa Support and Competitiveness
The program provides visa sponsorship options for international medical graduates. The supportive educational environment caters to a diverse range of applicants, including both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) graduates, making it fairly welcoming to both U.S. and international physicians.8 The acceptance rate showcases its competitive nature, appealing to a large pool of applicants.
Application Requirements
The selection process entails specific application components, where applicants are usually required to have completed their medical education with certain academic achievements. The program mandates that candidates do not exceed a set number of failed USMLE Step exams to enhance the chances of selection.3
Website
Director
Somkiat Hemtasilpa, MDProgram Director Appointed Since April 2020 -Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
$63,545First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.7XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
220Visa Sponsorship:
H1B, J1YOG Cutoff:
2Match History
1661340C0
2024
4 of 42023
4 of 42022
4 of 42021
4 of 42020
4 of 4Location
Wyomissing, PA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Wyomissing, PA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Wyomissing is known for being a safe community with a relatively low crime rate.
- Fun Activities: The area offers various recreational activities such as hiking, shopping, dining, and visiting historical sites.
- Climate: Wyomissing experiences all four seasons, with warm summers and cold winters.
- Races and Population: The population in Wyomissing is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities.
- Education: Wyomissing is known for its excellent public schools and proximity to higher education institutions.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Wyomissing is reasonable compared to larger cities.
- Proximity to Larger Cities: Wyomissing is located close to Reading, PA, which is about a 10-15 minute drive. Reading offers more urban amenities and cultural attractions.
- Pros: Safe community, diverse population, good schools, proximity to larger cities.
- Cons: Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to bigger cities.
Interview Questions
