Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Program

Overview of the Residency Program

The Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program that focuses on comprehensive training across various aspects of physical medicine and rehabilitation. This training includes outpatient musculoskeletal rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, electrodiagnosis, interventional physiatry, and hospital consultations.

Residents benefit from a structured curriculum that combines hands-on experience with didactic instruction, which includes protected weekly sessions for lectures, case conferences, and journal clubs. Notably, cadaveric dissection is part of the program to enhance the residents' understanding of anatomy and procedural skills. The curriculum also incorporates elective time in the latter years to allow customization of the training experience based on residents’ interests.

Program Features

The residency program has been ACGME accredited for ten years and currently accommodates twelve residents, with four new residents entering each year. An important pre-requisite for application includes the completion of an accredited internship program as specified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Clinical rotations occur at several esteemed locations, including:

• North Shore University Hospital
• Long Island Jewish Medical Center
• Glen Cove Hospital
• South Shore University Hospital
• Cohen Children’s Medical Center
• Parker Jewish Institute

These locations offer expansive exposure across types of rehabilitation settings, enhancing the overall training experience.

Curriculum and Training Model

The didactic schedule is rigorous, featuring sessions every Wednesday morning that are protected from clinical duties. This allows residents to focus entirely on learning. Curriculum topics are designed according to guidelines from the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Particularly for PGY-2 residents, there is an introductory curriculum, while PGY-3 and PGY-4 residents engage in anatomy reviews.

In addition to the core clinical experiences, there are a variety of academic opportunities available to residents, including journal reviews, neurovascular conferences, various educational conferences, and quality improvement programs. A scholarly project is also a mandatory aspect of residency, with many residents presenting their work at national conferences.

Research Opportunities

Scholarly work is not just encouraged but required, with many residents having opportunities to present at prominent conferences such as the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Annual Meeting and the Association of Academic Physiatrists Annual Meeting. Research is supported by dedicated faculty members, including a research director, ensuring residents have access to guidance and resources for their projects.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). A complete application package should include a common application form, curriculum vitae, USMLE or COMLEX transcripts, a personal statement, a Dean’s letter, and at least three letters of recommendation.

Additionally, international medical graduates must provide an ECFMG Status Report. The program is open to competitive applicants, and potential candidates are selected for interviews held on Wednesdays.

Benefits and Compensation

The program offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. On the first day of employment, residents can access comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with disability insurance options. Moreover, residents receive a generous salary, and compensation for the 2023-2024 cycle is among the highest nationally.

Additional provisions include:

• Employer-paid basic life insurance
• 20 days of paid time off annually
• Funding for books and conference attendance
• Support for housing during residency

These financial and wellness benefits promote a healthy work-life balance, which is crucial for residents' overall wellbeing.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates, particularly for J-1 and H-1B visas. This allows eligible applicants from abroad to participate in the residency program without undue concern regarding immigration complexities.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at Northwell Health is a highly competitive program known for its excellent training and supportive environment. While the program maintains a robust admission process, it is approachable and supportive to both DO and IMG candidates, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusivity within the medical training community.

Unique Aspects of Resident Life

The residency experience at Northwell Health encompasses not just rigorous education but also a supportive community. Residents participate in various social events and wellness initiatives organized by the Resident and Fellow Association that help to maintain high morale and build camaraderie among colleagues.

In addition to rigorous training, residents are encouraged to enjoy and engage with the vibrant environment of Long Island and New York City, which offers a rich array of cultural and recreational activities.