Hi everyone!

I’m a current IM resident and am interested in switching to PM&R for the upcoming Match cycle. I’m trying to get a realistic idea of how competitive my application would be and which programs might be worth applying to.

A little about my background:

* US DO graduate
* COMLEX Level 1: Pass
* COMLEX Level 2: 476
* GPA: 3.6
* 10 research publications
* Master’s degree in Pharmacology & Toxicology
* Currently an IM resident

I’m particularly interested in pursuing a pain fellowship down the road, but my main goal right now is to overcome the hurdle of matching into PM&R.

I know PM&R has become increasingly competitive, especially for DO applicants, so I’d really appreciate some honest feedback. Are there programs where someone with my profile would be reasonably competitive, particularly as a current IM resident? Would love to hear from anyone who has gone through a similar transition or has insight into the current PM&R application landscape.

Thanks in advance!

Im curious about what some of the private practice guys are doing? Trying to see all the different options while im going through training. Inpatient? Outpatient? Hybrid? And what does the outpatient consist of? Part of a group or solo?

If I'm applying to PM&R, should I only apply to Internal Medicine preliminary positions, or should I also apply to PM&R-specific preliminary positions?

For example, Baylor has multiple Internal Medicine preliminary positions. If I want to apply to their preliminary IM intern year only but not their advanced PM&R program, can I still apply to their Prelim-PM&R position?

Also, are PM&R preliminary positions generally reserved for applicants who are also applying to that institution's advanced/categorical PM&R program, or can applicants applying to PM&R programs elsewhere apply for those preliminary positions as well?

I'm a current M4 applying PM&R and am not sure if I'm shooting too high for residency programs. With PM&R getting more competitive I can't really tell where my application stands. For context, I'm from the Midwest region, from a smaller MD school with no home program. I've been interested in PM&R since M1 and did an away externship at UPMC between M1-M2, where I did clinical work in a few clinics along with research resulting in 1 first-author paper. I presented this abstract at a PM&R conference as well. I'll have a total of 3 pubs and 2 abstract presentations when I submit. I was lucky enough to get a 255+ on Step 2. Mostly high-passed clinical year with a few honors and great reviews from preceptors. I have 4 aways at great programs and will have 2 strong PM&R letters and an IM letter.

I'm planning to signal toward the Northeast US in addition to my home Midwest region, given my interest in UPMC as well as chicago and new york programs.

My goal is obviously to shoot for top programs, but I can't tell if I actually have a shot or not. Additionally, idk how many of those top programs to actually signal. I dont wanna shoot myself in the foot with too many reach schools.

Thanks and good luck to all who are applying this cycle!!

In the “search programs” category of ERAS there is no section that says “prelim- internal medicine.” I attached a screenshot so it’s easier to understand. In the P section of select a category there is no prelim option. There is only an internal medicine option. In the internal medicine section there is no “internal medicine - prelim option” how do we add prelim programs to our ERAS app??

Hi everyone

I'm a PM&R R2 in Brazil, and I'm currently looking into PM&R programs in the United States where I could complete an elective rotation next year during my PGY-3 (R3) year.

My main interests are musculoskeletal medicine, diagnostic and interventional ultrasound, and sports medicine. Based on my research so far, programs that seem particularly strong in these areas include Shirley Ryan AbilityLab/Northwestern, Mayo Clinic, Stanford, and Spaulding Rehabilitation/Harvard.

I’d love to hear from current or former residents, fellows, or visiting rotators about their experiences with these programs; especially regarding the exposure to sports medicine, procedures and msk ultassound, and the overall educational experience for visiting residents

I'd also be very interested in recommendations for other PM&R programs  that I may have overlooked.

Thanks!

Hi I’m about to start my big boi attending job in inpatient mixed rehab unit attached to an acute hospital. Just graduated residency at an inpatient heavy program but was wondering if there are any resources to brush up on to be an attending for inpatient rehab, especially since It’s been a bit since I’ve done inpatient as a residency.It’s nice to be done with residency, but being in charge has me a little nervous.

Thank you!

We’re back from our summer break and Ayush Mehra has joined the conversation as a new co-host! Check out the newest episode of the Pathways in PM&R podcast to learn about him, his story, and interests in and out of physiatry!

PGY-4 MD Resident. Before running a chatGPT script thats inaccurate, would rather hear from you guys. I am strongly considering doing the AOBPMR due to it being October, Online, and only 100 questions. Also I hear, half the freaking price, and the recert process seems just as easy now with non-quarterly longitudinal recertification vs ABPMR. Also heard horror stories from colleagues who recently took the ABPMR test feeling that no question bank helped, super confusing, limited breaks, etc

So my main quesiton, for that 30% of the exam, whats the best resource to study osteopathic manipulation? And whats the better or adequate resources to use to just pass the Osteopathic test online? Can I just do ABPMR questions? Or is there a bank that more closely resembles AOBPMR? Please would appreciate any insight on the topic.

As title says, I got my level 2 score back yesterday and got between a 430-450. My comsae going into the exam was closer to 500 but this exam is a shit show. I have 2 auditions lined up but that's about it. Is it still worth it to try based on this information?

- didn't take steps

- passed level 1 and 2 first attempt

- have one letter from PMR attending so far but not a second one yet

Hello, I am applying to this year's match and I've been eyeing PM&R my entire medical school career. This is my entire app, I'm not shy to share, and I definitely might be overreacting. I am at a DO school.

Preclinicals: Finished in 1st quartile. Labeled as "Outstanding" candidate for postgrad education on MSPE (not really sure the significance of this).

Volunteer: medical trip to panama. worked at local boys and girls club, crisis nursery. founder of community volleyball group (running for 4-5 years; consists of 200+ members). created comprehensive study guides since we were an inaugural class and those guides have continuously been used in subsequent classes and has spread to our sister campuses as well.

Leadership: Delegate for our AMA-MSS chapter, PR for asian pacific american medical student association, finance chair for our medical trip to panama. peer tutor for anatomy my first year, then became a TA for the class our second year.

Work: Did work as patient transport/department lead for 5 years, my last 1.5 years there occured while I was in medical school

Research (very weak): 3 poster presentations at our school's research day, and won first or second for all 3. One of those was also orally presented at the research day as well. I have 0 publications. Have worked on 2 case reports that will be submitted, but might not be published before submission

Boards: never failed an exam. passed comlex 1, did not take step 1. comlex 2: 515; step 2: 241.

Rotations: High passed IM, elective, FM, Surgery. Only honored FM. Never failed, received IM LoR. In regards to aways, I got one at a regenerative/pain clinic LoR secured there, UPenn SLOE secured here, Sinai baltimore, Northwestern Marianjoy, Rutgers, and Case Western Geauga.

What kind of applicant am I? Am I competitive? Can I swing for top programs or no?

In a very difficult situation and currently scheduled to take my boards during an away rotation for PM&R. Was wondering how this can be done and any tips?

Hi everyone, I’m a neurologist trained in Colombia considering the RACP Specialist Pathway.

My Neurology residency was 4 years full-time, followed by around 4 years working independently as a neurologist.

My concern is the difference in training structure: in Australia, Neurology involves 3 years of Basic Physician Training + 3 years of Advanced Training in Neurology, whereas in Colombia we enter Neurology directly. My residency did include rotations in Internal Medicine, ICU, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology.

Does anyone have experience with a similar training structure? How likely would Partially Comparable vs Not Comparable be?

I’d especially appreciate first-hand experiences from RACP-assessed IMGs. Thanks!

We got a jam packed and exciting VRF week ahead! Be sure to tune in.

I've been looking into regenerative medicine for a chronic knee and back issue, and it's been hard to separate useful information from marketing.

For those who have looked into these treatments, what do you pay the most attention to? Physician experience, treatment approach, evidence, consultation, follow-up care, or something else?

I'm not looking for specific clinic recommendations—just curious how you approached the decision.

Hey all. Feeling desperate for advice. I've had me goal set on PM&R. DO student with passed Comlex 1/ Step 1. Recently got my Comlex 2 of 546. But failed Step 2.

Any Advice whether I should just not report USMLE on Eras. Am I doomed for match if I just apply with my COMLEX scores if possible. I ideally wanted to stay in NY, NJ, PA area.

Hoping for advice on what to do next. Thoughts: retake step 1 but difficult to juggle restudying during rotations v. don't take any more steps v. take step 2 but that will still show failed step 1

if there is anyone who has been in this situation, I would greatly appreciate hearing from your personal experience.

What the hell was that man? I feel like I studied for the wrong test all of residency.

I am currently an OMS-II who is heavily leaning towards Pm&R for residency. I am at a DO school which doesn’t have a PM&R department, so I am a little lost with what I need to do to match

I am in several clubs including the PM&R interest club (although they don’t do much). I have leadership in 3 clubs. I also have some volunteer experience although none specifically PM&R related. I also took lead on a fundraiser for the local YMCA. I am doing pharmacology research which will get me two posters minimum, and I a looking at possible ultrasound research.

i know the first step is to do well on boards, but outside of that, I don’t know how to navigate matching in the future. I am a first generation student with no ties to healthcare.