University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

Program Overview

The University of New Mexico (UNM) Brain Injury Fellowship in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is dedicated to training proficient brain injury physiatrists who are well-rounded and capable of leading multidisciplinary teams. The program's mission focuses on clinical excellence, fostering a culture that encourages advocacy and innovation in the field of brain injury medicine. Fellows will engage in various clinical experiences, including inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient clinics, and consultations, to prepare them for a diverse patient population.

This one-year fellowship includes structured rotations where fellows spend time at multiple training sites. Specifically, fellows participate in 4 months of inpatient rehabilitation at Lovelace-UNM Rehabilitation Hospital (LUNMRH), 4 months in outpatient clinics at LUNMRH, 2 months performing consultations at UNM Hospital, and 1 month in an outpatient clinic at the Raymond G. Murphy Veterans Affairs Medical Center, giving them a comprehensive experience in brain injury management.

Curriculum Structure

The program's curriculum is designed to provide extensive clinical training across various settings. Key clinical rotation opportunities include:

• Inpatient Rehabilitation: Fellows are exposed to traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and non-traumatic brain injuries, gaining hands-on experience in a rich inpatient environment.
• Outpatient Clinics: Here, fellows learn long-term assessment and management of brain injuries, employing a team-based approach to deliver comprehensive care.
• Consultations at UNM Hospital: Fellows participate in a well-regarded public teaching hospital, honing their skills in patient assessment and rehabilitation planning.
• Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center: Exposure to a diverse patient population for management of polytrauma and brain injuries provides for a deeper understanding of complex cases.

Fellows also engage in elective rotations, allowing for specialization in areas of interest, ensuring a tailored educational experience. Throughout their training, emphasis is placed on evidence-based care, ethics, disability rights, and patient access.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The UNM Brain Injury Fellowship incorporates several unique features that enhance the educational experience:

• Didactic Curriculum: A robust didactic curriculum ensures fellows receive a comprehensive education in brain injury medicine with an emphasis on evidence-based practices.
• Community Outreach: The program encourages fellows to participate in outreach and program development initiatives to improve brain injury care access within the New Mexico community.
• Procedural Training: The fellowship offers procedural training in areas such as spasticity management and electrodiagnosis, preparing fellows for diverse rehabilitation challenges.

Application Process and Requirements

Applying to the UNM Brain Injury Fellowship requires a strong focus on evidenced qualifications and specific qualities. It is essential to present a compelling personal statement that outlines the applicant's motivation for choosing this particular fellowship and their future aspirations within PM&R.

The application should also meet certain thresholds: typically, the candidates must have completed their residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and possess relevant clinical experiences. Specific failures in exam attempts may be taken into consideration.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to train in the fellowship. Common visa types sponsored may include J-1 visas for exchange visitors and H-1B visas for specialty occupations, enhancing accessibility for qualified IMGs.

Competitiveness

The UNM Brain Injury Fellowship is recognized as a competitive program that attracts a diverse range of applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. The program seeks individuals who demonstrate a commitment to advancing the field of brain injury medicine, alongside the competencies necessary for successful fellowship performance.

Training Locations

Training occurs at several key sites ensuring comprehensive learning and exposure:

• Lovelace-UNM Rehabilitation Hospital: A primary rehabilitation facility providing extensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation experiences.
• UNM Hospital: The only Level-1 Trauma Center in New Mexico, providing critical insights into acute care management.
• Raymond G. Murphy Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Offers unique experiences caring for veterans with diverse rehabilitation needs.