Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Residency

Whether you're in medical school or interested in switching specialties, a career in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) offers a diverse and exciting field. Physiatrists must have a wide breadth of knowledge, which starts during their med school days and continues if accepted into a specialized residency in physiatry.

How do you become a PM&R resident? There are many ways to tailor your schooling and pursue opportunities to get a competitive edge as you seek a physiatry residency program. 

What Is a Physiatry Residency?

Once you complete medical school, a PM&R residency is the postdoctoral training you receive to gain specialized knowledge in the physical medicine and rehabilitation field. A physiatry residency includes a one-year internship to develop fundamental clinical skills and several more years of training to realize the full scope of this specialty.

PM&R Residency Length

Residency training for physiatry is four years. Post-graduate year 1 (PGY-1) is an internship to gain core clinical knowledge. Once your internship is complete, you will be considered an official rehab resident and undergo three years of advanced training in physical medicine and rehabilitation. 

Is It Difficult to Get a Physical Medicine Residency?

Physiatry has become an increasingly competitive specialty in recent years. Although there are 80 accredited PM&R residency programs in the U.S., it's essential to distinguish yourself as early as possible. 

How to Get Noticed by PM&R Residency Programs

If you want to get accepted into a physiatry residency program, especially a competitive one, you must set yourself apart and display a keen interest in this medical field early. As you go through your medical school training, here are some tips to showcase your interest in physical medicine and rehabilitation and demonstrate your abilities in this unique specialty at every phase of your schooling.

What You Can Do in Your First Year

It's your first year, so stay open to new ideas and the wide breadth of specialties available. However, if you're interested in physiatry, now is a great time to gain early exposure to the field. You can:

• Contact a physiatrist to set up shadowing opportunities.
• Join or start a PM&R interest group.
• Keep a journal to record field experiences related to PM&R. These notes will help you write your personal statement during the residency application phase.

What You Can Do in Your Second Year

Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) are taken near the end of your second year. Doing well on these exams will most definitely strengthen your application. 

During your second year, be sure to pay special attention to the fundamentals of musculoskeletal and neuroanatomy, including how to perform basic exams and the elements of a history and physical.

What You Can Do Your Third Year

In your third year, continue to track interesting physical medicine or rehabilitation cases in your journal. As you engage in mandatory rotations, consider how each specialty relates back to PM&R. 

Your third year is also the time to take advantage of as many PM&R opportunities that come your way as possible. You can do this through:

• Electives: Gain extra exposure to the PM&R specialty as you go through rotations.
• Clerkship: A clerkship provides hands-on training and mentorship from experienced physiatrists.
• VSLO® program: Explore the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities program for short-term opportunities away from your home institution. 

What You Can Do During Your Summers

Summers are an excellent opportunity to volunteer with organizations that actively help the patients you will serve as a physiatrist, such as rehabilitation centers and community outreach programs for adults and children with disabilities.

You can also connect with local PM&R departments to see if summer research or clinical opportunities are available.

What You Can Do Your Fourth Year

During your fourth year, continue to gain as much experience as possible in physical medicine and rehabilitation. You'll also need plenty of time to study for your Step 2 exam.

Start the application process early if a top PM&R residency is your goal. Some medical students even begin this process during their third year.

How to Apply for Physiatry Residency Programs

The Electronic Residency Application Service® (ERAS) is not the only item that residency programs look at. They want to see a balanced and diligent applicant. Along with your ERAS application, you will also need letters of recommendation and a personal statement. The end of the process is an in-person interview.

Submit Your ERAS

ERAS is the online portal where you deliver your residency application and supporting documents. Read through your application several times to ensure it's error-free before you submit. 

Acquire Letters of Recommendation

Most residencies expect three to four letters of recommendation. Although a recommendation from a physiatrist is not required, it is highly recommended. Most applicants need one or two of their letters to come from a PM&R specialist to be competitive. 

Develop Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement lets you tell your story and showcase your unique skill sets. Pull out your journal to illustrate your personal experiences in PM&R. Your statement also highlights why you will be a valuable asset to a residency program. 

Prepare for Interviews

Residency interviews are typically pleasant yet comprehensive experiences. Programs considering you for residency want to get to know you, your strengths and weaknesses and your personal goals to determine if you are a compatible match. 

The interview process can last several hours or be a day-long affair. It often includes question-and-answer periods, group dinners or even opportunities to tour the facility.

Come prepared. Dress and behave professionally. Research the program and the people who will be interviewing you. These steps will show you are serious about the residency.

Get Involved with the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (AAPM&R)

AAPM&R is an organization with a plethora of education and career opportunities/resources. They are the national medical specialty organization representing more than 10,000 physicians who are specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), so it’s best to get started with them early on in your career.

Presentation Opportunities for Medical Students at AAPM&R

1. Abstract Submission (Scientific Posters & Oral Presentations)
   Medical students are eligible to submit research abstracts for consideration as:

The topics can range from original research, case reports, literature reviews, quality improvement initiatives, or education-based projects. Collaborations with faculty mentors or residents are common and often encouraged.

• Poster presentations (the most common route)
• Oral presentations (if selected from the highest-rated abstracts)

1. Research Pathways and Student Engagement Tracks
   AAPM&R often offers dedicated programming for medical students, which can include:
   • Mentored poster sessions where students can get feedback from PM&R physicians.
   • Student-focused sessions or networking events to meet residents, program directors, and attending physicians.
   • Student scholarship opportunities to help offset conference costs.
2. Submission Guidelines & Deadlines
   • Abstract submission typically opens in early spring (e.g., February–April).
   • Accepted students are notified by summer and must register for the Annual Assembly.
   • All presenters must attend the meeting in person to present their work.
3. Awards and Recognition
   Some student-presented abstracts may be eligible for awards or featured recognition during the conference.

Here are some action steps for interested students:

• Monitor the AAPM&R website (www.aapmr.org) for the Annual Assembly page, usually updated in Q1 each year.
• Sign up for updates on abstract deadlines and submission portals.
• Seek mentorship from PM&R faculty or residents to refine your abstract and prepare your presentation.
• Join the AAPM&R Student Section for access to mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and presentation prep resources.

Find PM&R Jobs With Medrina

At Medrina, we believe mentorship and extensive training produce the best physiatrists. If you are a new physician or you are pursuing a career in physiatry, we invite you to speak with our recruiters about how we can support you post-residency through our partnership that helps physiatrists find the right facility for them while providing a nationwide network of resources which includes ongoing education. Contact us today to learn more. 

Content Reviewed By: Matthew Cowling, D.O.
Chief Clinical Officer

Dr. Cowling is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with a specialized focus on Subacute Rehab, Orthotics and Prosthetics, and the non-surgical management of Musculoskeletal Injuries. He graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency and specialty training in PM&R at the University of Wisconsin.

Dr. Cowling has a deep passion for teaching and advancing the field of Physiatry in post-acute care. As Chief Clinical Officer at Medrina, he works to spearhead the advancement of physician protocols, education, and communication within the clinical team.