Non PM&R electives/experiences

Started by hk2005
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

hk2005

Junior Member
15+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Thanks for the advice on my last post about types of PM&R electives to seek out. I was just wondering now if anyone had opinions about what other kinds of electives would be helpful either once you get to residency or to help make you a more impressive applicant. Besides research of course.


Thanks again! 🙂
 
There was a post on this subject but I can't seem to find it so let me repeat what I've heard...

Good electives outside of PM&R:

Neuro - learn good neuro exam, see acute strokes, TBI, etc.

Neurosurg - if interested - acute management of SCI, Spine procedures, etc.

Ortho - Both OR and outpt sports - good to learn about various procedures your rehab pts may have gone through, some physical dx skills.

Rheum - add to your diff dx list of msk pathologies

Cards/Pulm/ICU - learn vent management, medical emergencies, some cardiac rehab type issues.

Sports Medicine - Ortho or FP or PM&R - if interested
Pain Management - Anesthesia or PM&R - if interested

IM - was asked by one clueless interviewer what IM rotation I did my 4th yr.

Radiology?? - possibly to learn to read CXRs, Spine MRIs, Neuroradiological images, etc.

Obviously, each specialty will have its own idiosyncracies about how to approach a patient - also, vent management in SCI pts very different from standard ICU pts. BUT, good to be exposed. I guess just pick and choose... I've only done a few on this list. :laugh:

Hope this helps.