PM&R: How to apply for residency

[the prodogy]

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I am not sure how to do apply for transitional year... It seems like about half, maybe more than half, of the PM&R programs are 3 years, which requires a third year. I just have a few questions about this:

1) How do you apply for a transitional year... and what is a transitional year?

2) Do you apply fro the 3 year programs now, or do you apply for them next year during my transitional year?

Thanks and sorry for the ignorance

 

[JuliusErving]

A transitional year is a bit like 3rd year of medical school where you're doing a bit of everything. You'll do a few months of medicine, surgery, electives, etc. Each program's curriculum varies. You don't have to do a transitional year, though. You can do a preliminary year in medicine and surgery, as well. Generally, though, transitional years tend to be a bit easier (and more desirable/competitive).

You apply through ERAS for everything MD related. It's pretty self-explanatory once you open it up. Everything is done at the same time, as well. You will have to make time for both sets of interviews during your interview season. On match day, you find out where you go for a preliminary year and for the following 3 years for PM&R. If you match into a categorical position in PM&R, you do all 4 years there. Hope that helps.

 

[Paddington]

PM&R programs come in 4 year and 3 year flavors.

The 4 year programs include an internship (a year of general medicine and/or surgery).

The 3 year programs start 1 year in the future after the application process and mandate that you apply for and complete an internship (Transitional, Preliminary Medicine, Preliminary Surgery, or possibly even a year of Pediatrics, Family Medicine, or OB-GYN) separately.

 

[SMC123]

If you dun match into a program can you do a transitional year and reapply to a three year program?

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[RangerBob]

If you dun match into a program can you do a transitional year and reapply to a three year program?

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I met a few people on the interview trail that were doing just that (they are current interns). It may mean delaying starting residency a year (you'd likely have a gap between your TY and PM&R residency), but positions do open up and if you're not picky there's the possibility of going straight to a PM&R residency after finishing your TY.

It's best to avoid that situation though--apply broadly, and if you feel you're not a strong candidate, go on as many interviews as you can. In general, I hear 8 as the number thrown around as the "number to rank" to best ensure you match. I'd recommend accepting more than 8 interviews both to be on the safe side, but also because you may not rank every program you interview at. In addition, PM&R is getting more competitive, so it doesn't hurt to play things safe.

 

[fozzy40]

A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying to a PM&R Residency Program