Gaining PM&R exposure without dedicated summer time

[loveoforganic]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'll be an MS1 this coming fall and will (assuming I'm accepted) be completing a joint MPH with med school, with class during the summer before MS1, the summer after MS1, and a gap year of MPH between MS2 and MS3. I'm interested in PM&R (in theory, no shadowing/other experience as of yet), particularly working with vets and TBI/SCI/amputation, but other interests as well and obviously all very subject to change given my lack of exposure.

How would you all recommend getting exposure to the field prior to 4th year, so that, assuming I retain interest, I know which 4th year rotations to schedule? Also, the way I understand it, you apply to a TY or prelim med/surg for first year of residency then apply again with a completely separate application to PM&R. Doing this, do you actually have some more flexibility as to what specialty you pursue from that TY/prelim and thus extra time to gain exposure?

Thank you all in advance!

 

[PMR 4 MSK]

Most Physiatrists would let a med student shadow them, even if for a 1/2 day at a time. If your med school does not have a PM&R Dept, check the local hospitals or yellow pages.

For prelim year, yes, most do transitional or IM. Some programs combine them now, others have them at the same hospital, others don't at all. Some internships allow more electives than others.

 

[Ludicolo]

Also, the way I understand it, you apply to a TY or prelim med/surg for first year of residency then apply again with a completely separate application to PM&R. Doing this, do you actually have some more flexibility as to what specialty you pursue from that TY/prelim and thus extra time to gain exposure?

Thank you all in advance!

PM&R programs come in two flavors: advanced and categorical. Advanced programs start in the PGY2 year, following completion of a prelim year. Conventionally, you apply/interview/match into both prelim and advanced programs simultaneously, so at that point you'd need to know already that you want to pursue PM&R. Categorical programs start in the PGY1 year, so you don't have to worry about prelim years.

 

[oreosandsake]

Congrats on medical school and your interest in PM&R!

I'm glad to hear that you are interested in those areas of the field.

If you don't mind sharing where you are geographically, I think some of us can point you in a good direction for mentors. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, you can also PM me and I will do my best.

 

[loveoforganic]

Most Physiatrists would let a med student shadow them, even if for a 1/2 day at a time. If your med school does not have a PM&R Dept, check the local hospitals or yellow pages.

For prelim year, yes, most do transitional or IM. Some programs combine them now, others have them at the same hospital, others don't at all. Some internships allow more electives than others.

Thanks for the advice and info!

PM&R programs come in two flavors: advanced and categorical. Advanced programs start in the PGY2 year, following completion of a prelim year. Conventionally, you apply/interview/match into both prelim and advanced programs simultaneously, so at that point you'd need to know already that you want to pursue PM&R. Categorical programs start in the PGY1 year, so you don't have to worry about prelim years.

Thanks for the info!

Congrats on medical school and your interest in PM&R!

I'm glad to hear that you are interested in those areas of the field.

If you don't mind sharing where you are geographically, I think some of us can point you in a good direction for mentors. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, you can also PM me and I will do my best.

Not at all. I'll be at LSU-NO - I know one of the posters here is actually their current/past chief.

Thank you all again

 

[axm397]

yes - pm dc2md