PM&R and basic research

[ek6]

---

Members don't see this ad.

What kind of research opportunities are there in pm&r? I am interested in this field in academic medicine and was wondering if there are any opportunities for a pm&r physician to spend, for instance, half time in the clinic and half doing basic research.

Also, although I may have my own idea of what they may be, I was wondering what the more prevalent areas of basic research are in this field.

 

[rehabmd]

try the chris reeves foundation website regarding information on basic science research in spinal cord injury or the miami project in florida

 

[axm397]

There was a MD PhD at Stanford planning on going into academic medicine. I think his phD was in body mechanics?? (gait??) I just know his research was in the ortho department.

Also, kessler has a research institute KIRR which might be of interest to you - you may be able to access what kind of research is going on there. When I interviewed at JFK, they told me about an NIH sponsored "fellowship" program which pairs you up with a NIH mentor to do research. Mayo also had strong research, as well as RIC and Baylor.

Research can be in anything from SCI, TBI, Stroke, Ortho, Sports, pharmacology, therapeutic interventions, and outcome research. It really depends on what you are interested in. I think PM&R is a relatively young field starving for good researchers and you will find lots of opportunities in the field.

 

[drvlad2004]

I would also look into PM&R programs that have model systems in both SCI and/or TBI. The two areas of research that I would be interested in are musculoskeletal (specifically head injuries) and TBI. At UPenn, most of the attendings are also academic physiatrists. At the interview, they did mention the same or similar NIH medical scientist training program to JFK's (which also pays off your loans). University of Pittsburgh has numerous research opportunities in their program, including current research on skiing-specific injuries. Johns Hopkins is another program that spends ample time on academic physiatry. I would definitely check out RIC when it comes to research opportunities.

 

[ek6]

thanks all for your input. I checked out the institutes adn web sites you mentioned and they were all very helpful.

I know this can certainly vary depending on each area of pm&r, but what would a typical career path towards academic physiatry entail? would it simply require a 2 year research fellowship following a research-oriented residency?

thanks again.