My class rank is in the middle of my class, and unfortunately I'm at a school without a PM&R program. Also, I want to rotate at a program during my 4th year that I'm interested in, but I'm worried that I might not make the best impression since I will have no other previous PM&R experience. Can anyone give me some pointers here? Thanks in advance!
Is it possible to match into PM&R with a Step 1 score below 200?
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😀APDoc said:
It is very possible to match in a PM&R program despite your board scores. As you may well know, PM&R has become increasingly more competitive in the last few years. I was in your boat...with low board scores, mediocre grades-class rank and yet I have received several invitations to interview, including Baylor. It's not 100% necessary to do a PM&R rotation at a program you might be interested in. Infact, in some cases, it may be more beneficial to do your first PM&R rotation at a lower profile program, where you can learn as well as make a good impression. Key is to obtain a GREAT letter of recommendation from this rotation. Try to do a PM&R rotation at the end of your 3rd year, if possible--maybe during the summer...if not, definitely early in your 4th year, like July or August. Maybe try to volunteer at a local rehab facility to get more exposure to the PM&R world. Depending on where you live, you could try to volunteer maybe on week-ends. Have you signed up as a member of the AAPM&R? With this, you will get subscription to the PM&R journals. Read those, get some PM&R books--learn, learn, learn. Perhaps, even if you have a day off during your 3rd year, call a local private Physiatrist in your area and ask if he/she would be willing to have you spend a day in his/her office. Just to get a feel of what that would be like. If you have programs in your area--get connected to some of the residents. Usually, they will be more than willing to have lunch with you or answer your questions about PM&R. You could even take a visit at the end of your day to the local rehab unit at the hospital you are doing your core rotations.
Between now and the beginning of your 4th year there are probably hundreds of ways for you to get exposure to PM&R. Make this your mission. Learn all there is to know about it, get involved, go to a PM&R focused convention. Do whatever it takes to get some exposure and experience so that you'll have some interesting info to put in your application and to write in your personal statement. Hard work, dedication, focus and a serious commitment to the field of PM&R is what it takes!!! Although it is getting more competitive--there are still plenty of mid-tier programs that would be more than pleased to have a resident who is devoted and committed!!!
If it's what you want, make it real! Go for it!!!
Good luck.
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I actually did my two away electives without any prior experience in PM&R.
I think most physiatrists and residents are very nice and approachable. They don't expect you to know much. The more important thing is for you to be eager, teachable, and interested.
I agree with above post - if you want to spend some time "volunteering" before rotating just to feel better about yourself, that's fine too.
I think most physiatrists and residents are very nice and approachable. They don't expect you to know much. The more important thing is for you to be eager, teachable, and interested.
I agree with above post - if you want to spend some time "volunteering" before rotating just to feel better about yourself, that's fine too.
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You can probably get interviews and match...but you should also really study hard for Step 2.
Working your butt off on rotations (which you should treat as auditions) will probably help you most of all. Good luck!
Working your butt off on rotations (which you should treat as auditions) will probably help you most of all. Good luck!
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Finally M3 said:
What about those who failed Step 2 scores? Will that automatically prevent us from being ranked?
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DJPJ69Camaro said:
I would think very FEW things would AUTOMATICALLY prevent someone from being ranked. (unprofessional behavior being the top thing I can think of)
If other things on your application can compensate for your weaknesses, it's probably still possible to match. Just don't let negative aspects of your application affect your performance on interviews, etc. You can't change what already happened. If you go in with "I'm not worthy" thoughts, it'll come out during your interviews and interactions with others. Starting to sound like Dr. Phil...
