University of Central Florida/HCA Florida Healthcare (Pensacola) Program

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program at HCA Florida West Hospital, associated with the University of Central Florida, offers a comprehensive pathway for residents seeking to specialize in PM&R. This ACGME-accredited program is designed to prepare residents for independent practice through a diverse and enriching clinical training experience.

The residency accepts four residents each year, fostering a close-knit learning environment. As a relatively new program, it uniquely positions itself within HCA Healthcare's extensive network, allowing residents to engage with a wide variety of complex patient cases across different settings.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum spans three years and features a well-structured schedule with rotations divided into twelve 4-week blocks per year. As residents progress through the program, they will experience a balance of inpatient and outpatient rotations involving:

• PGY 2: Inpatient Rehabilitation (6 blocks), Inpatient Neurology (2 blocks), Musculoskeletal (1 block), Pediatric Rheumatology (1 block), Pediatric Orthopedics (1 block), Electromyography (1 block).
• PGY 3: Inpatient Rehab (3 blocks), Pain (1 block), Spine (1 block), Pediatric Cardiology (1 block), Musculoskeletal (1 block), Inpatient Consults (1 block), Research (1 block), Sports Medicine (1 block).
• PGY 4: Inpatient Rehab (3 blocks), Elective (3 blocks), Electromyography (2 blocks), Inpatient Consults (1 block), Medical/Legal (1 block), Musculoskeletal (1 block), Pain (1 block), Rheumatology (1 block).

Clinical Experience and Training Sites

HCA Florida West Hospital is among the leading rehabilitation facilities in the region, accredited in stroke and spinal cord rehabilitation. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, guided by a skilled faculty specializing in pain management and neurology. Residents acquire procedural and ultrasound skills applicable to a range of interventional strategies, including epidurals, spinal cord stimulation, and regenerative medicine.

The program's pediatric training includes vital rotations in specialties such as pediatric orthopedics and rheumatology, preparing residents to cater to diverse patient needs. The local environment enhances the training experience; residents enjoy living in Pensacola, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant community.

Mission and Values

The mission of the program is to nurture the next generation of physicians, promoting values of clinical excellence, teamwork, and respect for diverse cultures and opinions. Recognizing the importance of resident wellness, the program seeks to create a supportive balance between personal life and rigorous training. This holistic approach aims at preventing burnout and ensuring a healthy educational experience.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program is friendly to international medical graduates (IMGs), accepting J-1 visa applications. The selection process is competitive, with candidates required to have passed USMLE or COMLEX Part I and II on their first attempts for interview consideration. Osteopathic graduates are welcomed without necessitating additional USMLE scores.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants must adhere to specific requirements: having passed USMLE/COMLEX Part I and II on their first attempt is crucial. Additionally, the application deadline is set for December 1st, and the program does not include a preliminary year, making it essential to meet all prerequisites before applying.

Salary and Benefits

Residents in the program receive competitive salaries, starting at:

• PGY2: $62,892
• PGY3: $65,056
• PGY4: $68,259

In summary, the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program at HCA Florida West Hospital combines rigorous training with a supportive environment, aimed at developing competent and compassionate physician leaders ready to take on the challenges of modern healthcare.