Looking good on a PM&R elective

[DocLoliz]

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Hi all! Love the board. Great information.
I'm about to start an elective in PM&R mainly because I got a little exposure during my Neurology clerkship and it peaked my interest in the field. I really don't know what to expect. I was told I would get some good inpatient experience and outpatient experience.
What kinds of things should I do now to look outstanding on this rotation, if it is something that I decide to go into? What should I be reading? What are the current issues/debates, etc. ongoing in the field?
Any input is appreciated.

 

[theD.O.C.]

One of the biggest debates in the field right now is whether the increased interest in PM&R from med students is turning it from a laid back open and friendly field to a competitive one filled with type A apple-polishers who are only in it for the lifestyle😛 .


Kidding, relax show a genuine interest and come in willing to learn. That's the best way to shine. Good luck

 

[briandavis]

Dear Loliz:

I agree to some degree with D.O.C., but will tell you what I look for as an Attending:

1. KNOW YOUR ANATOMY! I cannot stress this enough. Those who know more about anatomy will do much better than their peers that don't. It will help you understand biomechanics and function at a pace well above others. Start with Anatomy Made Ridiculously Simple (if still in print) and then move on to Neuroanatomy made Ridiculously Simple. These two books can be read in a couple of days and will set the groundwork for all other more advanced concepts. Next move on to reading Hoppenfeld's Examination of the Spine & Extremities. It is a great first-step in learning examination skills.

2. ACT INTERESTED EVEN WHEN YOU'RE NOT! There is nothing that bothers me more than discussing a topic of interest to me that the student/ resident clearly is bored to tears over. Hopefully, it's not often, but realize that you are making an impression on the Attending/ Resident. If either perceives that you're not considering their feelings, they will extrapolate this to you doing the same with your patients.

3. SHOW UP EARLY AND GO HOME LATE! Attending/ Residents LOVE to see an eager-beaver! If you show that you're willing to stay till the end, It'll show that you're hard-working and a team player.

4. PICK A TOPIC OF INTEREST TO YOU AND THE ATTENDING AND READ UP ON IT. Asking questions on the topic later and showing your knowledge (without looking like a kiss-@#$) will go very far!

These are a few things that can make you shine as a student and subsequently as a Resident. I've trained a LOT of both and can tell you what I look for and what I use to decide who we'll give interviews and residency slots to.

Hope these help....

Brian

 

[drusso]

There's a great book introductory book on PM&R written for medical students called "Chronic Disease and Disability: A Contemporary Rehabilitation Approach to Medical Practice"
by Ross M. Hays (Editor), George H. Kraft (Editor), Ross Hayes, Walter C. Stolov (Editor), Rosalind C. Kalb.

It's written by some of the faculty at UW Seattle and is the required text for the medical students there when they do there chronic disease and disability clerkship. Try to find it on amazon.com or your local library. It's a great introduction to the field.

Amazon Link

 

[Finally M3]

I liked Nesathurai's "Rehabilitation...TBI" and "Rehabilitation...SCI". I found that they helped a ton when I rotated on the above services the last two weeks. It made me look good during pimpin' time

They are pocket sized and pretty quick reads so they are useful when you're on floors and are twiddling your thumbs waiting for the new admit to show up. I'm looking forward to reading his "Essentials" while working the consult service 😛