University of Minnesota Program

Overview of the Program

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Residency Program at the University of Minnesota has established a strong reputation over its 70-year history. Its primary goal is to train residents to become well-rounded physiatrists, preparing them for diverse career paths in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

The program offers residents a comprehensive training experience that encompasses both inpatient and outpatient settings, along with exposure to various health systems, including private and public hospitals, with a greater emphasis on academic medicine.1

Curriculum and Rotations

Residents in the PM&R program engage in rotations that last a minimum of 12 months on acute inpatient rehabilitation units. These rotations span a wide array of subspecialty clinics located across the metropolitan area, such as general PM&R clinics, subspecialty clinics (e.g., spinal cord injury, pediatric rehabilitation), pain medicine clinics, and electrodiagnostic medicine (EMG) clinics. Alongside clinical rotations, residents also have the opportunity to participate in elective experiences based on their interests and availability.4

The University of Minnesota Medical Center, in partnership with M Health Fairview, serves as one of the primary training sites, providing residents with high-quality rehabilitation services in a tertiary care setting. Other notable institutions involved in the training include Fairview Acute Rehabilitation Center, Hennepin Healthcare (Minnesota's premier Level 1 Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center), the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Regions Hospital, and Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare.5 Residents also participate in Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, which specializes in rehabilitation services for both adults and children.

Program Activities and Didactics

The PM&R residency program emphasizes continuous education and professional development through various program activities. Weekly didactic sessions occur for all residents, ensuring dedicated time for academic learning. Topics focus on fundamental aspects of physiatry, including current practices and emerging trends.2

Residents can also participate in an Educator Track program, aiming to cultivate teaching skills in clinical settings, or the PRISM Track (PM&R Residents Interested in Sports Medicine), which outlines pathways for those aiming at fellowships in Sports Medicine. Moreover, residents can utilize the PGY2 Bootcamp, which serves as an introductory workshop for newcomers to familiarize with PM&R-specific practices.

Research and Scholarly Activity

An important component of the residency program is research and scholarly activity, where residents are supported with opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and protected research time. Each resident is expected to complete at least one scholarly activity during their training, such as publishing a manuscript or presenting at a national conference.3

Application Process and Eligibility

The residency program accepts applications exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The application deadline is typically set for November 15, and interviews are conducted virtually in December by invitation only. Eligibility requirements include having an MD or DO degree or being expected to graduate with one, and candidates must have graduated from medical or osteopathic school within the last five years, or not have been away from clinical medicine for more than three years. The program welcomes international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers J-1 visa sponsorship for eligible applicants.6

Competitiveness and Demographics

The PM&R residency at the University of Minnesota tends to be highly competitive. It emphasizes diversity within its applicant pool, fostering an inclusive recruitment process aimed at attracting a variety of residents who reflect a wide range of backgrounds in medicine.7

Resident Well-being and Community Involvement

In addition to rigorous training, emphasis is placed on the wellness of residents. The program features various wellness initiatives, including retreats designed to mitigate burnout and promote a supportive environment among residents. The wellness committee is actively engaged to create events, including resident-led activities that foster a sense of community beyond clinical responsibilities.8

Living in Minnesota

Living in Minnesota offers a vibrant lifestyle along with access to abundant outdoor activities. Minneapolis and St. Paul are known for their high quality of life, with rich cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities available throughout the year. Residents enjoy the accessibility of the Metro Transit which connects the university campus to various recreational and cultural sites in the Twin Cities.9