Basic/Translational Research in PM&R

[lastexile]

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Hi

Long time listener, first time caller...

I'm a Med4, MD/PhD student finally finishing that long road started in the prior millenium. I am pretty sure that i want to do a PM&R residency, but i had some questions about the research being done.

My PhD was in molecular neurosciences, i studied signal transduction pathways and synaptic structural elements that underlie synaptic plasticity (and ultimately memory and learning). My research interests would naturally lie in such things as spinal cord injury, TBI/Stroke and chronic pain.

I like the scope and the patient interaction of PM&R versus neurology, which is why i am going with PM&R, but I am wondering what the opportunities are in terms of basic science or translational research in the field, especially in the neurosciences. Most of the research in the field that i find have more to do with outcomes and prospective-type studies, which I realize is the type of research probably most relevant to the scope of PM&R.

I just wonder if down the road I might become frustrated with the lack of opportunities or resistance to doing basic research in a PM&R department. Any comments would be appreciated, and also if you know of any programs or links to research-friendly residency programs (e.g. RIC, Mayo, U.Wash), also info on the rehab scientist training program offered at various places.

Thanks

--i

 

[axm397]

check these out

http://www.aapmr.org/medstu/researchfund.htm
http://www.foundationforpmr.org/

Also, when I was interviewing, I remember the Mayo program and RIC both having research requirements - and good funding to support it. I believe any of the bigger programs would have a good research component. Kessler also had a nice research facility.

I don't think there will be any resistance about doing basic research - there is actually a lack of research in the field of PM&R and most PDs I talked to actually wanted ppl interested in research. It's great to hear of a MD/PhD interested in Physiatry. Welcome to the field!!

 

[drusso]

First join the AAP at www.physiatry.org Here are some other important contacts for you:

1) Ralph Nitkin, Ph.D.
Biological Sciences and Career Development
National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Phone: 301-402-4206 FAX: 301-402-0832 Email: [email protected]

Building 6100E/Room 2A03
6100 Executive Blvd MSC 7510
Bethesda, MD 20892-7510*

2) John Whyte, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator & Program Director
Rehabilitation Medicine Scientist Training Program
Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute
Thomas Jefferson University