How do I know PM&R is for me?

[dselig]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello everyone. I am a 3rd year medical student at Temple who is finishing up with my surgery rotation. I have a strong interest in PM&R, but I am failing to find many sites that talk indepth about it. Then, I found you guys. There is more relevant info here than all the other sites combined.

Other than doing a 4th year elective, there really isnt any time to truly experience PM&R to absolutely sure it is for me. I have talked to 2 of the PM&R docs at Abington, where I am now, and they have said I can spend time with them whenever I want. That is the problem. We get a week off after every 2 rotations and I am going to try to go around with them then, but will a few days here and there be enough?

I guess what I am asking is how did you guys know PM&R was right for you? I have a great deal of interest in Sports Medicine and I like Ortho a lot, but I dont want to be in the OR and I dont want their lifestlye. I was an Exercise Science major in college and very much enjoyed athletic training and physical therapy, but always wanted to be more than that. I really like learning about and being able to read radiological films, but usually only musculoskeletal films, not the ruptured appendix or bowel obstruction that I see day in and day out.

Also, do I need to do research? I have read all the threads and it seems like a mixed response. If so, how do I get involved?

I am asking you guys because the typical response I get from other docs is that it is boring and you mainly deal with stroke patients. I might hit the next one who says that. just kidding.

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dan Selig

 

[dselig]

Hey guys. Somehow I managed to not read all the threads from the past two days before I wrote mine. Sorry about the similar questions to "why do so few people go for PMR?" I guess in a way it is better because I was able to get all of my thoughts into semi-understandable words.

I would still like to know more about research and if it is needed.

Also, did any of you guys have a real interest in ortho or sports med through IM for FM, but chose PM&R instead. If so, why?

How can I get more exposure this year and not wait for 4th year.

Thanks again. Even without a response yet, I am really getting such a better feel for PM&R just by reading.

Dan

 

[drusso]

The problem with doing sports medicine through a primary care speciality (a very legitimate route) is that there is a perception that most specialists will not "refer down the food chain." Orthopods, neurologists, rheumatologists, etc will always see primary care sports medicine docs as primary care docs. PM&R docs are specialists. Specialists refer to specialists. Also, by definition, physiatrists ARE *the* experts in nonoperative, musculoskeletal medicine.

Also, many primary care sports medicine docs I know do more primary care than sports medicine. I don't want to do paps, diabetes checks, HTN management, etc in order to pay for my sports medicine practice. If you do PM&R and then do a sports fellowship, you will be viewed as a non-operative sports medicine SPECIALIST. Your skills will be in demand.

 

[dselig]

Thank you very much Dave. "experts in nonoperative, musculoskeletal medicine" is the best phrase i have heard yet to sum up what PM&R docs do.

Do you have any advice on how I can get more exposure this year instead of waiting til 4th year?

also, would becoming a student member of the national organization be of benefit to me?

Thanks for all your help,

Dan