University of Washington Program

The University of Washington's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Residency Program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in rehabilitation medicine. The program provides an exceptional training environment that emphasizes a combination of mastery in clinical skills, knowledge acquisition, research opportunities, and autonomy in patient care.

Program Overview

With an intake capacity of 30 residents across different levels, the PM&R program at the University of Washington engages its trainees in a diverse range of clinical settings, including foundational institutions like the Harborview Medical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, University of Washington Medical Center, and Seattle Children's Hospital. Each of these sites provides unique opportunities for residents to develop their clinical competence across various subspecialties such as sports medicine, pediatric rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, and more 1.

This residency is structured to meet the accreditation requirements of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), ensuring that training meets high standards of quality and organization. The residency typically consists of a rigorous curriculum that includes significant inpatient care (averaging 13 months), outpatient rotations, and specialized training in areas such as musculoskeletal medicine, geriatrics, and electromyography (EMG) 1.

Curriculum

The academic curriculum is meticulously crafted to prepare residents to handle a broad spectrum of rehabilitation scenarios. The program offers a combination of structured didactics, clinical rotations, and research methodology training. Significant topics covered in the curriculum include:

• Amputee Rehabilitation and Principles of Prosthetics
• Clinical Musculoskeletal Medicine
• Electrodiagnosis and Clinical Neurophysiology
• Practice Management
• Research Methodology and Scholarly Activity

Residents participate in seminars and journal clubs to foster continuous learning. A vital requirement for graduation is the completion of a scholarly activity that undergoes peer review, allowing for the development of essential academic skills and the contribution to ongoing research initiatives 1.

Research Opportunities

The University of Washington boasts a robust research infrastructure, particularly in the areas of traumatic brain injury and burn rehabilitation. The PM&R department participates in various clinical and translational studies, enabling residents to engage in impactful research and contribute to evolving medical practices 1. The program encourages residents to explore their research interests and supports presentations at national conferences.

Training Sites

Residents train across multiple sites that expose them to different patient demographics and case complexities. Key training locations include:

• Harborview Medical Center: Washington's only Level I trauma center, recognized for its high-acuity patient volume.
• VA Puget Sound Health Care System: Focused on serving veterans with diverse rehabilitation needs.
• University of Washington Medical Center: Frequently ranked among the top hospitals, providing comprehensive rehabilitation services.
• Seattle Children's Hospital: Specializes in pediatric rehabilitation, offering insight into child-specific rehabilitation challenges.

The diversity of patient populations across these sites enriches the residency experience and allows residents to develop culturally competent care strategies 1.

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Washington is staunchly committed to promoting diversity within the residency program. It actively recruits candidates from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, understanding that diversity is key to achieving excellence in patient care. The Rehabilitation Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee works continuously to enhance outreach, mentorship, and retention of underrepresented groups in medicine 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs) interested in applying for residency. To participate, IMGs must maintain certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), have the appropriate visa status allowing employment, and complete at least one year of internship in an ACGME-accredited program 1.

Application Process

Applicants must comply with specific requirements for admission to the PM&R program. This includes the successful completion of USMLE Steps 1 and 2 prior to beginning residency. The most competitive candidates are those demonstrating a solid academic background, leadership experiences, resilience in overcoming educational challenges, and policy awareness regarding health inequities 1.

The program is considered highly competitive but maintains an openness to candidates from all backgrounds, including those from osteopathic and international medical schools. Each year, around 80-90 candidates are invited for interviews, with three PGY-1 and 27 PGY-2 through PGY-4 positions available 1.

Stipends and Benefits

Residents receive a competitive salary alongside comprehensive benefits that include student privileges, library access, athletic facilities, and support for attendance at national medical meetings 1. The program acknowledges the importance of wellness and encourages participation in extracurricular activities that foster physical and mental health.

In summary, the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency program at the University of Washington provides an exemplary environment for training competent and compassionate physiatrists equipped to face the evolving challenges of the medical field.