Ultimate Guide to PM&R Residency Board Exam Study Resources

Why PM&R Board Exam Preparation Deserves Its Own Strategy

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) is uniquely broad. Your board exam will test:

• Neurologic rehab (stroke, TBI, SCI)
• Musculoskeletal and sports medicine
• Electrodiagnostics (EMG/NCS)
• Pain medicine and interventional procedures
• Pediatric rehab
• Amputee & prosthetics/orthotics
• Cardiac, cancer, and general rehab
• Function, disability, and impairment concepts

Because of this breadth, you need a structured, resource-efficient approach—especially if you’re balancing call, clinic, consults, and life.

This guide will walk you through:

• The major board exam resources in PM&R
• How to use question banks and Anki USMLE-style flashcards for PM&R content
• How to adapt UWorld tips and other med-school strategies to the physiatry boards
• Example study schedules in PGY-2, PGY-3, and PGY-4
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Keywords you’ll see woven throughout include: PM&R residency, physiatry match, board exam resources, Anki USMLE, and UWorld tips—because many of the strategies you used for the USMLE/COMLEX can be recycled intelligently for PM&R.

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Understanding the PM&R Board Landscape

Before choosing resources, you need to know which exams you’re targeting and how they differ.

1. Core PM&R Exams and Where Resources Fit In

Most physiatrists in the U.S. will encounter:

• In-Training Exam (ITE)

  • Taken yearly during PM&R residency
  • Format similar to written boards
  • Your best early predictor of board performance
  • Great environment to test whether your study resources are working

• ABPMR Part I (Written Boards)

  • Multiple-choice exam with clinical vignettes
  • Tests broad, fact-based and clinically applied knowledge
  • Primary focus of this resource guide

• ABPMR Part II (Oral Boards)

  • Case-based viva format
  • Focused on clinical reasoning, patient management, professionalism, and systems-based practice
  • Some written resources overlap, but you’ll later need dedicated oral prep

If you plan fellowship (sports, pain, SCI, peds, etc.), strong foundational study for boards will also pay dividends in fellowship interviews and subspecialty exams.

2. How PM&R Boards Differ from USMLE/COMLEX

Compared with Step 1 or Step 2 CK:

• Far more rehabilitation-specific content

  • Mobility and ADL scales (FIM, MRS, ASIA, etc.)
  • Spasticity management, orthoses, wheelchair prescription
  • Prosthetics, orthotics, and durable medical equipment

• Less raw pathophysiology, more functional/clinical application

  • Example: Instead of detailed renal physiology, more focus on “How does this impact rehab and function?”

• More imaging and electrodiagnostics

  • EMG waveforms, needle EMG findings, nerve conduction parameters
  • Plain films, MRI, CT relating to musculoskeletal and neurologic pathology

The implication: you can retain study discipline from USMLE prep (e.g., spaced repetition, question-first learning), but must shift content emphasis towards core PM&R domains using specialty-specific resources.

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Core PM&R Board Exam Resources: What to Use and How

There are many resources on the market; using all of them is neither realistic nor necessary. The key is depth over quantity and integrating them effectively within your PM&R residency schedule.

1. Foundational Review Books

a. Braddom’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

• Pros
  • Comprehensive, classic PM&R reference
  • Excellent for in-depth understanding
  • Strong coverage of SCI, TBI, stroke, pain, MSK, and general rehab
• Cons
  • Too long to “read cover-to-cover” in residency
  • Not optimized as a pure board review text
• Best Use
  • Reference specific topics after doing questions (e.g., “I keep missing SCI questions—re-read that chapter.”)
  • Use for high-yield sections: SCI, stroke, TBI, neuromuscular, amputee, pain

b. DeLisa’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

• Pros
  • Traditional cornerstone in PM&R
  • Strong on electrodiagnostics, neuromuscular disease, and foundational rehab principles
• Cons
  • Dense; more of a reference textbook than a board review
• Best Use
  • When EMG/NCS questions reveal knowledge gaps
  • To clarify complex rehab concepts (e.g., motor control, gait analysis)

c. PM&R Board Review Books (Several publishers)

Most residents use at least one dedicated PM&R board review book, such as:

• “Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Board Review” (e.g., Cuccurullo or other similar titles)
• “Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation” has review questions and summaries

What makes a good PM&R board review book?

• Condensed bullet points
• Diagrams and tables of:
  • Gait deviations
  • Orthoses & prostheses
  • Stroke syndromes
  • SCI levels & expected function
  • Pediatric milestones & CP classification
• Chapter-end questions or online Qbank access

Best Strategy

• Choose one main review book as your spine.
• Read it systematically in PGY-3 and early PGY-4, paired with questions and flashcards.

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2. Question Banks (Qbanks) for PM&R

Question-based learning is central to modern exam prep. You learned this with UWorld; now you’ll translate those UWorld tips to PM&R-specific Qbanks.

PM&R-Specific Qbanks

Common options include:

• Commercial PM&R board review Qbanks (offered by major review companies)
• Online platforms focused on physiatry board questions
• Question sets that accompany PM&R board review texts

What to look for in a PM&R Qbank:

• Questions that mirror ABPMR style:
  • Clinical vignettes, not pure recall
  • Emphasis on function and management, not just diagnosis
• Robust coverage of:
  • Stroke, TBI, SCI, neuromuscular
  • Pain and MSK medicine
  • EMG, orthoses/prostheses
  • General rehab & disability concepts

How many questions should you aim for?

• Realistically: 2,000–3,000 PM&R-focused questions over residency is a strong target.
• Aim to finish your main Qbank at least once, with key questions reviewed a second time.

Applying UWorld Tips to PM&R Qbanks

The same rules that made you successful with UWorld still apply:

1. Tutor Mode Early, Timed Blocks Later

   • Early PGY-2/PGY-3: Do questions in tutor mode to learn content from the explanation.
   • PGY-4 (6–9 months out): Switch to timed 20–40 question blocks to mimic board conditions.

2. Thorough Review of Explanations

   • Read both right and wrong answer explanations.
   • Extract 1–3 key teaching points per question into your notes or flashcards.

3. Convert Mistakes into Active Learning

   • Missed question on ASIA impairment scale? Make a focused Anki card or mini-sheet.
   • Keep a “Top 100 Missed Concepts” list to revisit.

4. Periodic Repetition

   • Re-do incorrect questions or flagged items 1–2 months before the exam.

If your program doesn’t provide a Qbank, consider pooling funds with co-residents or asking your PD about institutional subscriptions.

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3. Anki for PM&R: Building on Anki USMLE Skills

Many residents arrive in PM&R residency already using Anki USMLE-style decks. That skillset is a competitive advantage if you adapt it correctly.

Why Anki Works Well for PM&R Boards

• The exam involves many discrete, highly testable facts:
  • Root levels for reflexes and muscles
  • Innervation and actions of key muscles
  • Functional expectations for ASIA levels
  • Wheelchair and orthosis prescriptions
  • Pediatric developmental milestones
• Spaced repetition ensures you actually retain this material by PGY-4.

What to Put in Your PM&R Anki Deck

1. Neuroanatomy & Functional Levels

   • Example card:
     • Front: “Functional expectations at C7 complete SCI?”
     • Back: “Independent transfers, manual wheelchair on level terrain, may be independent with some ADLs; triceps function; details based on standard SCI functional tables.”

2. Gait Deviations & Orthoses

   • Front: “Common cause and orthotic intervention for knee hyperextension in stance?”
   • Back: “Quadriceps weakness, plantarflexor contracture; consider AFO with dorsiflexion stop, heel lift, or custom knee-ankle-foot orthosis depending on etiology.”

3. Stroke & TBI Scales

   • FIM items, ASIA classification, Modified Rankin Scale, Rancho Los Amigos levels

4. EMG/NCS Findings

   • Front: “Needle EMG finding in acute denervation at 3 weeks?”
   • Back: “Fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves; reduced recruitment patterns.”

5. Pediatrics & CP

   • GMFCS levels, types of CP, associated comorbidities, treatment options

6. Pain & MSK

   • Key maneuvers for specific diagnoses, typical imaging findings, and first-line management.

Practical Anki Tips

• Keep cards short and focused: 1–2 facts per card.
• Aim for 20–50 new cards per week starting in PGY-2/early PGY-3.
• Maintain daily reviews (even on busy rotations, aim for at least 15–20 minutes).
• Use tags like SCI, Stroke, EMG, Peds, Pain to filter high-yield topics close to exam time.

Remember: you don’t need a massive 10,000-card deck. A lean, high-yield 1,000–2,000 card deck, well-reviewed, is far more effective.

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Integrating Resources Across Residency Years

Your strategy should evolve across PGY-2, PGY-3, and PGY-4. The biggest mistake is leaving all serious studying until the last 3–4 months.

PGY-2: Laying the Foundation

Goals:

• Decode the breadth of PM&R
• Build habits with Qbanks and Anki
• Use ITE as a diagnostic tool, not a “pass/fail” moment

Suggested approach:

• Choose your primary board review book early (by mid-PGY-2).
• Start a small Anki PM&R deck:
  • 10–20 new cards per week
  • Focus on rotations you’re on (e.g., SCI, stroke, consults)
• Start doing 10–20 PM&R questions on light days (or 50–75 per week).
• After the ITE:
  • Identify your 3 weakest domains (e.g., MSK, peds, EMG).
  • Add targeted reading + Anki cards in those areas.

Time frame: 2–3 hours per week on average is sustainable and impactful.

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PGY-3: Building Depth and Consistency

Goals:

• Establish a structured reading plan
• Complete a significant portion of your Qbank
• Turn clinical experiences into long-term knowledge

Suggested approach:

1. Board Review Book Plan

   • Divide your chosen review book into monthly blocks.
   • Example (12-month cycle):
     • Months 1–2: Stroke, TBI, neurorehab
     • Months 3–4: SCI, neuromuscular
     • Months 5–6: Pain, MSK, sports
     • Months 7–8: Pediatric rehab, CP, congenital conditions
     • Months 9–10: Amputee, prosthetics/orthotics, wheelchair
     • Months 11–12: Cardiac, cancer rehab, general rehab, ethics, systems

2. Qbank Routine

   • Target: 20–30 questions 3 times per week (60–90 per week).
   • On lighter rotations, increase volume; on heavy rotations, maintain continuity at lower volume.

3. Refining Anki

   • Expand your deck, but avoid “card explosion.”
   • Keep daily review time under 30 minutes most days.
   • Regularly tag difficult or high-yield topics.

4. After PGY-3 ITE

   • Compare PGY-2 vs PGY-3 scores and domain breakdown.
   • For persistently weak areas (e.g., EMG, peds), consider:
     • Extra focused reading from Braddom/DeLisa
     • Asking faculty for recommended cases or mini-teaching sessions
     • Doing topic-specific question blocks

PGY-4: Converting Knowledge into Exam Performance

Goals:

• Finish your first full pass of the Qbank
• Systematically review your weakest topics
• Practice timed, exam-like conditions

Suggested timeline relative to ABPMR Part I:

9–12 Months Before Exam

• Tighten reading schedule for any unread chapters of your board review book.
• Increase weekly question count:
  • 150–200 questions per week if possible, especially on lighter rotations or electives.

6 Months Before Exam

• Shift Qbank to more timed, mixed-topic blocks:

  • 20–40 question blocks simulating exam conditions.

• Identify consistent error patterns:

  • Confusion between different types of orthoses
  • Misinterpretation of EMG waveforms
  • Missing subtle distinctions in pain management

• Start second pass of your most important Anki cards (mark lower-yield decks “suspend” if needed).

2–3 Months Before Exam

• Aim for 2–4 timed blocks per week, reviewing each block for:
  • Content gaps
  • Test-taking errors (distractibility, reading too fast, second-guessing)
• Build a condensed “last 2-week” summary document:
  • Tables of SCI levels and expected function
  • Cranial nerve and root-level innervations
  • Gait deviations and orthotic corrections
  • Scales (FIM, ASIA, Rancho, GMFCS)
  • Pediatric milestones and red flags

Final 2 Weeks

• Light new studying; heavy review:
  • Skim your summary tables and Anki “marked” cards.
  • Do 1–2 light question blocks every few days to maintain rhythm.
  • Protect sleep and minimize burnout.

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Supplementary and Niche Resources

While the core resources above are sufficient for most residents, some supplementary tools can fill specific gaps.

1. Electrodiagnostics (EMG/NCS)

• Textbooks / Manuals: Small focused EMG handbooks are often more digestible than long chapters.
• Courses / Webinars: Many physiatry societies offer EMG courses (live or online) that include board-style questions.
• Strategy:
  • Pair reading with real EMG cases on rotation.
  • Build a small, focused EMG Anki subdeck with:
    • Typical nerve conduction values
    • Waveforms and their clinical interpretation

2. Musculoskeletal & Sports

• If your PM&R residency has strong MSK faculty, use bedside teaching as your primary resource.
• Supplement with:
  • Musculoskeletal exam atlases
  • Sports medicine board review books (if you’re planning a sports fellowship)

3. Podcasts, Blogs, and Online Communities

• Consider PM&R-focused podcasts that:
  • Review common exam topics
  • Discuss classic rehab cases
• Online communities (e.g., resident groups, professional forums):
  • Useful for resource recommendations
  • Beware of misinformation; always verify with primary sources.

4. Tying It Back to the Physiatry Match

If you’re approaching the physiatry match, early familiarity with PM&R board exam resources is a subtle advantage:

• Mention your structured learning plan in interviews:
  • e.g., “I’ve started using a PM&R board review text and Anki cards during my prelim year to build foundational rehab knowledge.”
• This signals:
  • Long-term commitment
  • Self-directed learning
  • Insight into what residency and beyond will require

Even in PGY-1, you can begin with:

• Light reading of high-yield PM&R chapters
• A small Anki deck on SCI, stroke, and functional scales

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Avoiding Common Pitfalls in PM&R Board Prep

1. Starting too late

   • Trying to cram PM&R boards into 6 weeks is risky given the exam’s breadth.

2. Over-collecting resources

   • It’s tempting to buy every board review book and Qbank; this often leads to fragmentation.
   • Better: one main review text + one Qbank + your Anki deck, then add targeted references as needed.

3. Neglecting EMG and niche topics

   • Many residents postpone EMG studying because it feels intimidating.
   • Spread EMG learning across PGY-3 and PGY-4 rather than saving it all for the end.

4. Only doing passive reading

   • Without questions and active recall (e.g., Anki), it’s hard to retain details about scales, innervations, and orthoses.

5. Ignoring test-taking skills

   • Some residents know the content but underperform due to:
     • Poor time management
     • Overthinking or changing correct answers
     • Not reading the question stem carefully
   • Timed Qbank blocks are your lab for fixing this.

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Putting It All Together: A Sample Weekly Plan (PGY-3/4)

Total study time: ~6–8 hours/week (modifiable based on rotation)

• 2–3 Weekdays

  • 20–30 board-style questions (timed or tutor mode depending on stage)
  • 60–90 minutes including review

• Most Days

  • 15–30 minutes Anki reviews (commute, break, or after work)

• 1 Weekend Block

  • 1.5–2 hours of focused reading from your primary PM&R board review book
  • Update Anki with 10–20 new high-yield cards from that week’s reading and questions

During lighter rotations or electives:

• Increase questions (30–50/day on select days)
• Add a second weekend reading block
• Begin a second pass through challenging Qbank sections if time allows

Sustainable, consistent effort over 18–24 months will almost always outperform a frantic, short-term sprint.

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FAQs: PM&R Board Exam Study Resources

1. How early should I start dedicated PM&R board preparation during residency?
Start light but intentional in PGY-2. That doesn’t mean long daily study sessions—just:

• 1–2 hours/week of reading from a board review book
• 10–20 PM&R questions per week
• A small but growing Anki deck

By PGY-3, you should have a formal monthly plan for reading and Qbank work. Intensive, exam-focused prep usually begins in early–mid PGY-4.

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2. Are general USMLE resources like UWorld still useful for PM&R boards?
Not directly for PM&R content, but the study strategies you learned from UWorld are very useful:

• Doing questions in a structured, consistent way
• Reviewing explanations deeply
• Using spaced repetition (Anki)
• Practicing timed blocks before the exam

Content-wise, you should rely overwhelmingly on PM&R-specific resources for ABPMR Part I. USMLE-style internal medicine questions won’t adequately cover prosthetics, orthoses, SCI function, or EMG.

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3. Is Anki worth the time investment for PM&R boards?
Yes—if you use it strategically. Anki is especially powerful in PM&R for:

• Spinal cord levels and expected functional outcomes
• Muscle innervation and root levels
• Orthotic indications and gait deviations
• Scales (ASIA, FIM, Rancho, GMFCS)
• Pediatric developmental norms

You don’t need an enormous deck, but a curated 1,000–2,000 card deck, reviewed consistently, can dramatically improve long-term retention.

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4. How many questions should I complete before taking the written boards?
There’s no perfect number, but strong performers commonly complete:

• 2,000–3,000 PM&R-specific questions across PGY-2 to PGY-4
• At least one full pass of a major Qbank, plus partial second pass of “missed” or marked questions
• Near the exam, 2–4 timed blocks per week to simulate real conditions

Focus less on hitting an arbitrary number and more on learning deeply from each question and tracking your progress over time (especially via ITE scores and Qbank performance).

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By combining a core PM&R review book, high-quality Qbank, and smart use of Anki and UWorld-style study discipline, you can build a robust, sustainable plan that fits the demands of PM&R residency and sets you up for success on ABPMR Part I—and for strong clinical performance beyond the exam.