Top PM&R Residency Interview Questions for Non-US Citizen IMGs

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) is an exceptionally rewarding specialty for international medical graduates—especially for a non-US citizen IMG or foreign national medical graduate who is passionate about function, quality of life, and longitudinal patient care. But even with strong credentials, the physiatry match often hinges on one make-or-break moment: the residency interview.

This article focuses on common interview questions for non-US citizen IMGs applying to PM&R residency programs—with special attention to behavioral interview medical questions, visa-related concerns, and how to communicate your unique value in a US healthcare environment.

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Understanding the PM&R Interview Landscape as a Non-US Citizen IMG

For a non-US citizen IMG, the PM&R residency interview serves multiple parallel purposes in the mind of the interviewer:

• Are you truly committed to PM&R as a career, and do you understand what physiatrists do?
• Can you communicate clearly with patients, staff, and colleagues in the US system?
• Do you have the resilience and adaptability to succeed as a foreign national medical graduate transitioning to a new cultural and clinical environment?
• Are there visa or logistical barriers that will complicate training?
• Will you be a good teammate and long-term fit for the program?

Because of this, the questions you’ll receive will typically fall into several key categories:

1. General introductory questions (e.g., “Tell me about yourself”)
2. Motivation for PM&R and for their specific program
3. Behavioral and scenario-based questions
4. Clinical reasoning and approach to rehabilitation
5. IMG-specific and visa-related questions
6. Questions assessing professionalism, communication, and cultural fit

You should build your preparation around these categories, not just memorize answers to individual questions.

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Foundational Questions: Tell Your Story Clearly and Confidently

Nearly every PM&R residency interview will include some version of “Tell me about yourself.” Your response shapes the interviewer’s first impression and frames the rest of the conversation.

1. “Tell me about yourself.”

This is not an invitation for your entire life story. It’s a structured professional summary linked to PM&R and their program.

Strong approach (3-part structure):

1. Brief background – who you are, where you trained, and one or two defining themes.
2. Key experiences leading to PM&R – especially those that directly relate to rehabilitation, function, disability, or chronic illness.
3. Why you’re here now – your specific goals in pursuing PM&R in the US and how this program fits.

Example (non-US citizen IMG, PM&R-focused):
“I’m a non-US citizen IMG from [Country], where I completed my medical degree at [University]. Early in my clinical years, I gravitated toward patients with chronic neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions—people who weren’t just trying to survive disease, but to reclaim function and independence.

Those experiences led me to seek out [rehab, neurology, or orthopedics] rotations and work in a spinal cord injury rehabilitation unit, where I saw the impact of interdisciplinary care. Over time, I realized that PM&R was the specialty that best matched my interest in long-term patient relationships, team-based care, and functional outcomes.

I’ve since completed US clinical experience at [Institution], participated in research on [rehab-related topic], and worked to strengthen my communication and understanding of the US healthcare system. I’m applying to your program because of your strengths in [e.g., neurorehab, pain, MSK, SCI] and your history of supporting international graduates, and I see this environment as ideal for developing into a well-rounded physiatrist.”

Key tips:

• Keep it 2–3 minutes maximum.
• Emphasize function, disability, teamwork, communication, continuity of care.
• Show a coherent narrative from medical school to PM&R and this specific program.
• Avoid oversharing personal details unless directly relevant to your motivation.

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2. “Walk me through your CV” / “Can you summarize your journey since graduation?”

This is especially important for a foreign national medical graduate with a gap or a non-linear path.

Focus on:

• Clinical progression (rotations, internships, observerships, externships)
• Rehabilitation- or neuro/ortho-related experiences
• Research or quality improvement, especially in PM&R-relevant fields
• How you adapted, improved, or clarified your career path over time

If you have a gap or a career change (e.g., from another specialty), be prepared to briefly explain it constructively and tie it to your maturity and commitment to PM&R.

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PM&R-Specific Motivation and Knowledge Questions

PM&R residency programs want to ensure that you haven’t selected the specialty as a “backup” and that you understand what physiatrists actually do.

3. “Why PM&R?” / “How did you become interested in physiatry?”

Your answer should be specific and experience-based, not generic.

Elements of a strong answer:

• A concrete patient or clinical moment that sparked interest in rehabilitation or function
• Exposure to interdisciplinary teams (PT/OT/SLP, psychology, social work, prosthetics/orthotics)
• Appreciation for longitudinal care, goal-setting, and functional outcomes
• Any specific areas that excite you: neurorehab, MSK, pain, SCI, TBI, pediatrics, sports, etc.

Example framing:
“During my [neurology/ortho/general medicine] rotation, I followed a stroke patient from the acute service into inpatient rehab. On the rehab unit, I watched the physiatrist lead a team to set realistic goals and coordinate therapies. Over weeks, I saw the patient progress from fully dependent to walking with assistance. That experience changed how I understood recovery: it’s not only about survival, but about what people can do. That’s what drew me to PM&R.”

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4. “What do you understand about the role of a physiatrist in the healthcare system?”

Interviewers want to confirm you understand scope of practice and don’t confuse PM&R with other specialties.

Include points like:

• Function-focused rather than disease-only focused
• Leading interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams
• Managing neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and disability-related issues
• Working across inpatient rehab, consults, and outpatient clinics
• Use of injections, EMG, spasticity management (e.g., botulinum toxin, intrathecal baclofen), and assistive devices/prosthetics

Your answer should reflect knowledge of US-based practice (insurance, discharge planning, community resources) even if only at a basic level.

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5. “Why did you choose to pursue PM&R training in the United States?”

For a non-US citizen IMG, this question is nearly guaranteed.

Consider emphasizing:

• Exposure to high-volume, diverse pathology (trauma, SCI, TBI, stroke)
• Access to advanced technology: robotics, virtual reality rehab, advanced prosthetics
• Emphasis on multidisciplinary rehabilitation and research
• Desire to learn in a structured, accredited residency system with broad subspecialty options
• Opportunities for fellowship training (e.g., pain, sports, SCI, TBI, pediatrics)

Avoid implying that your home country is inferior; instead, state that you:

• Want to gain skills and experience not widely available at home
• Aim to contribute globally—whether you stay in the US, return home, or work in international rehabilitation.

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6. “Why our program?” / “What are you looking for in a PM&R residency?”

Your answer should reflect specific knowledge of the program:

• Unique strengths (e.g., strong SCI, TBI, pain, MSK, pediatrics, VA affiliation)
• Research infrastructure or mentorship you hope to join
• Patient populations (e.g., veterans, urban underserved, diverse multilingual communities)
• Rotations or tracks (e.g., sports track, global health, QI focus)

Link these to your goals:

• “I’m interested in neurorehab and SCI, and your program’s partnership with [Rehabilitation Hospital] is very attractive.”
• “As a non-US citizen IMG, I value that your graduates have matched into fellowships in pain and sports medicine, which I may pursue.”

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Behavioral and Scenario-Based Questions: Showing How You Work

PM&R is team-oriented, so behavioral interview medical questions are common. These often start with:

• “Tell me about a time when…”
• “Describe a situation in which…”
• “Give me an example of…”

Use the STAR method:
Situation – Task – Action – Result (and briefly what you learned).

7. “Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a colleague or team member.”

Interviewers want to see emotional maturity, communication skills, and professionalism.

Good approach:

• Choose a real but not catastrophic conflict (e.g., disagreement over patient plan, task delegation).
• Show you listened, clarified, and worked toward a shared solution.
• Avoid criticizing others; take some responsibility for communication.

Example (condensed):
“In my internal medicine rotation, a teammate and I disagreed about prioritizing a patient’s workup. I requested a private discussion, where I acknowledged their concerns but explained mine using specific data. We agreed to present both options to our attending and ask for guidance. The attending appreciated our honesty and helped us prioritize the plan. I learned that early, respectful communication prevents misunderstandings and strengthens teamwork.”

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8. “Describe a time you made a mistake in clinical care. How did you handle it?”

They are testing your honesty, insight, and accountability.

• Choose a non-catastrophic but meaningful mistake.
• Acknowledge your role without excessive self-blame.
• Emphasize patient safety, transparency, and learning.
• Describe what you do differently now.

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9. “Tell me about a challenging patient or family interaction.”

PM&R often involves complex psychosocial issues, chronic pain, and disability identity.

Highlight:

• Empathy and active listening
• Setting boundaries respectfully
• Managing expectations about prognosis and function
• Working with families and caregivers as partners

For non-US citizen IMGs, this is an opportunity to show that you understand US cultural diversity and can adapt your communication style.

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10. “Give an example of a time you worked in a multidisciplinary team.”

This is central to physiatry.

Explain:

• The team composition (physician, PT, OT, SLP, RN, social work, psychology, etc.)
• Your role in coordination or communication
• How the team collaborated toward functional goals
• A specific patient or outcome that demonstrates your appreciation for team-based care

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11. “How do you handle stress or burnout?”

Residency is demanding, and PM&R has its own stressors (complex patients, emotional burden, system issues).

Avoid vague answers like “I don’t get stressed.” Instead:

• Describe specific coping strategies: exercise, structured study schedule, regular sleep, support network, mentorship.
• Mention how you balance self-care with responsibility.
• If appropriate, reference how you handled stress during USMLE preparation, US clinical experience, or differences in systems as a non-US citizen IMG.

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Clinical and Rehabilitation-Oriented Questions

Not every PM&R interview is heavily clinical, but some programs will assess your basic clinical thinking.

12. “How would you approach a new spinal cord injury patient on the rehab unit?”

Demonstrate a systematic approach:

• Initial assessment: level of injury, completeness, comorbidities
• Functional goals: based on level of injury
• Prevention of complications: DVT, pressure ulcers, spasticity, autonomic dysreflexia
• Team engagement: PT, OT, nursing, psychology, social work
• Patient and family education and long-term planning

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13. “Tell me about a patient you followed longitudinally. What did you learn from that experience?”

Choose:

• A stroke, SCI, TBI, chronic pain, or advanced arthritis patient
• Someone whose functional progress you witnessed over time
• An experience that taught you about patience, realistic goal-setting, and resilience

Make sure your story highlights function, participation, and quality of life, not just lab values or imaging.

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Non-US Citizen IMG and Visa-Specific Questions

As a foreign national medical graduate, you should anticipate questions that explore your immigration status, adaptability, and long-term plans—even if they’re phrased indirectly.

14. “What is your visa status, and what type of visa will you require?”

This is usually a straightforward question but can feel intimidating.

• Answer clearly and concisely.
• Know whether the program sponsors J-1, H-1B, or both before the interview.
• If you’re flexible (e.g., open to J-1), you can mention that.

Example:
“I am currently on [status, if applicable], and I will require a [J-1/H-1B] visa for residency training. I understand that your institution sponsors [visa type], and I’m prepared to comply fully with all requirements.”

Avoid long discussions about immigration policy; stay focused on training.

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15. “What challenges do you anticipate as a non-US citizen IMG in our program?”

This is a chance to show self-awareness and resilience, not to complain.

You might acknowledge:

• Adapting to the US healthcare system (insurance, documentation, EHR)
• Continuing to refine spoken communication and idiomatic English (if relevant)
• Navigating distance from family or cultural adjustment

Then immediately follow with:

• Specific steps you’ve already taken (observerships, externships, USCE, English courses)
• Your willingness to seek feedback and grow
• Appreciation for support systems (mentors, IMG communities, wellness resources)

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16. “What are your long-term career goals?” / “Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years?”

Programs may be trying to understand:

• Are you planning to stay in the US long-term or possibly return home?
• Are your goals realistic and aligned with PM&R practice?

You do not need to state a definitive plan about staying or leaving, but you should:

• Express a strong commitment to completing training and contributing meaningfully wherever you practice.
• Mention a potential subspecialty interest (pain, sports, neurorehab, SCI, TBI, pediatrics, prosthetics/orthotics).
• Show interest in teaching, quality improvement, or research, depending on your experience.

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Common General Residency Interview Questions (And How to Tailor Them to PM&R)

Beyond specialty and IMG-specific topics, you’ll see classic residency interview questions. Tailor your answers to PM&R and your identity as a non-US citizen IMG.

17. “What are your strengths?”

Choose 3–4 strengths that are:

• Observable (e.g., “I communicate clearly with team members and adapt my language for patients.”)
• Relevant to PM&R (e.g., patience, empathy, long-term follow-through, interdisciplinary collaboration, procedural diligence).
• Demonstrated with a short example.

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18. “What are your weaknesses?”

Avoid clichés like “I work too hard.” Choose a real but manageable weakness and show active improvement.

For example:

• “I used to feel uncomfortable speaking up in large multidisciplinary meetings; I’ve been working on this by…”
• “Initially I struggled with time management during busy rotations, so I developed a structured checklist approach…”

Tie the weakness to concrete growth and relate it to being a better team member or clinician.

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19. “How would your colleagues describe you?”

This question checks for self-awareness and consistency with your letters.

Link to attributes relevant to PM&R:

• “Reliable and calm under pressure,”
• “Empathetic and patient with complex patients,”
• “Good at following up and closing the loop on tasks.”

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20. “Do you have any questions for us?”

This is not optional. Thoughtful questions demonstrate interest and preparation.

Examples tailored to PM&R and a non-US citizen IMG:

• “How do residents get involved in research in areas like stroke or SCI rehabilitation?”
• “What kind of mentorship is available for residents interested in pain or sports medicine fellowships?”
• “How have prior non-US citizen IMG residents integrated into your program, and what support structures are in place?”
• “How is resident education balanced between inpatient rehab, consults, and outpatient clinics?”

Avoid questions that can be easily answered from the website or that focus only on visa logistics; keep the focus on your education and contribution.

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Practical Preparation Strategies for Non-US Citizen IMGs Targeting PM&R

To maximize your performance on these residency interview questions, take a structured approach:

1. Build a “Story Bank”

Create a list of 10–12 experiences you can use for behavioral interview medical questions:

• A challenging patient
• A conflict with a colleague
• A mistake and what you learned
• A teamwork success story
• A time you adapted to a new system or culture
• A situation that solidified your decision to pursue PM&R

Outline each story using STAR and practice telling it in 1–2 minutes.

2. Practice Your “Tell Me About Yourself” and PM&R Motivation Answers

Record yourself answering:

• “Tell me about yourself.”
• “Why PM&R?”
• “Why this program?”
• “Why the United States?”

Watch for clarity, length, and nonverbal communication (eye contact, pacing, posture).

3. Prepare for Common Accent or Communication Concerns

If English is not your first language:

• Practice answers out loud with US-based peers, mentors, or online speaking partners.
• Ask for feedback specifically on clarity, speed, and word choice.
• Don’t try to “erase” your accent; focus on intelligibility and confidence.

4. Understand the US Rehabilitation Context

Read about:

• Typical PM&R rotations: inpatient rehab, consults, outpatient MSK/pain, EMG, prosthetics/orthotics
• Basic US system structure: insurance, discharge planning, skilled nursing facilities, home health
• The role of the VA system in rehab training

This will help you answer clinical questions and ask sophisticated questions of your own.

5. Anticipate Program Concerns and Address Them Indirectly

For a non-US citizen IMG, programs may worry about:

• Communication challenges
• Adapting to US system
• Visa/commitment issues
• Limited prior exposure to PM&R

Use your answers (and your questions) to reassure them:

• Highlight US clinical experience or observerships, especially in rehab-related fields.
• Discuss concrete steps you’ve taken to integrate into US culture and medicine.
• Emphasize your stability, reliability, and long-term engagement with PM&R.

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FAQs: Common Questions from Non-US Citizen IMGs About PM&R Residency Interviews

1. Are PM&R interviews different for non-US citizen IMGs compared to US graduates?

The core clinical and behavioral interview questions are similar, but as a non-US citizen IMG you’re more likely to be asked about:

• Visa status and requirements
• Adaptation to US healthcare and culture
• Gaps in training or nontraditional pathways
• Long-term career plans and whether you intend to stay in the US

Prepare to answer these confidently while emphasizing your commitment, adaptability, and clear understanding of PM&R.

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2. How should I handle questions I don’t know the answer to, especially clinical ones?

It’s acceptable to say you don’t know. More important is how you say it:

• Acknowledge the gap: “I’m not completely sure about the exact protocol…”
• Share what you do know: “…but I would start by assessing X, Y, and Z…”
• Emphasize your approach to learning: “…and I would look up the current guidelines and discuss with my attending.”

This shows humility, safety, and a growth mindset, which are critical in residency.

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3. What if I have limited direct PM&R experience?

You can still succeed in the physiatry match by:

• Emphasizing related rotations: neurology, orthopedics, rheumatology, internal medicine, geriatrics, pain
• Highlighting any exposure to rehab units, PT/OT/SLP, or disability care, even in your home country
• Demonstrating a deep understanding of function, quality of life, and multidisciplinary care
• Showing you’ve done self-directed learning about PM&R (reading, webinars, conferences, shadowing)

Be honest about your experience level but very specific about why PM&R fits your values and skills.

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4. How important is it to have a perfected answer to “Tell me about yourself”?

“Tell me about yourself” is extremely influential—but it doesn’t need to be memorized word-for-word. Instead, you should:

• Know your key points and structure (background → PM&R journey → why this program/US).
• Practice enough that you can sound natural, confident, and concise (2–3 minutes).
• Ensure your answer supports the rest of your interview: if you describe yourself as team-oriented and research-focused, your later stories and examples should reinforce that.

A strong, coherent answer to “Tell me about yourself” can set a positive tone for the entire PM&R residency interview and help you stand out as a thoughtful, motivated non-US citizen IMG ready to contribute to the field of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.