PM&R Match Advice

[the prodogy]

---

Members don't see this ad.

For those who matched, whether it's your first choice or not, any advice for a MSII going on to MSIII? Also, if you don't mind sharing, what were your scores, USMLE or COMLEX (if applicable)? What did you do in the while rotating in those specific places that made you stand out? What do you think it was that made you stand out? And for those who didn't get in, what do you think it was that gave you trouble? Thanks!

 

[fyfanatic]

PM&R is definitely getting more competitive. I was AOA, had good board scores, PM&R specific letters, and I matched in the middle of my rank list. At my school, there were about 5 other PM&R applicants who also did not get their top choices and matched in the middle as well.

Try to do well in your clinical years and get good USMLE scores, at least above average. Try to do at least 2 rotations where you can get letters from physiatrists. Show that you interested and enthusiastic about the field. I also think doing something extracurricular that is PM&R-related, like research, will help you a lot..when I was on the interview trail a lot of the applicants had either research or something else outside of school that they had done and could talk about. Most importantly, apply broadly so that you can have at least 8 or more programs to rank.

 

[DocTalk12]

For those who matched, whether it's your first choice or not, any advice for a MSII going on to MSIII? Also, if you don't mind sharing, what were your scores, USMLE or COMLEX (if applicable)? What did you do in the while rotating in those specific places that made you stand out? What do you think it was that made you stand out? And for those who didn't get in, what do you think it was that gave you trouble? Thanks!

I believe the things that make you stand out are similar in all fields, not just PM&R. Being conscientious, motivated, communicating effectively with colleagues and patients.

I suppose one thing that is unique to PM&R is the general attitude that people in the field have, most everyone is kind-hearted and that is something that you feel when working with them. If you are grumpy, high strung, and very competitive then the field may not be the best for you. I found very little malicious pimping or residents trying to one up each other when I did my rotations. For me, I think the things that made me stand out during rotations/ interviews was being pro-active (willing to fetch charts, see patients, look up articles without being prompted), being outgoing, having a good sense of humor and being receptive to feedback.

As for my application, I scored very well on my step exams, had a strong gpa, did research (both PM&R applicable and non-PM&R), had 2x PM&R letters and I was fortunate enough to get a bunch of interviews and ended up matching at my top choice. I think it is very important to apply broadly, as I know some of my friends were given interviews at places where I was rejected and vice versa without "good reason". If I were going through the process again, I would emphasize the importance of your attitude and general demeanor (both on interviews and rotations) - I know it has HUGE effect on your application/ rank.

Please feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

 

[theserbatron]

For those who matched, whether it's your first choice or not, any advice for a MSII going on to MSIII? Also, if you don't mind sharing, what were your scores, USMLE or COMLEX (if applicable)? What did you do in the while rotating in those specific places that made you stand out? What do you think it was that made you stand out? And for those who didn't get in, what do you think it was that gave you trouble? Thanks!

As a third year medical student, it will be difficult for you to get any rehab specific rotations. Most important thing you can do is to get a good understanding of each of the fields and learn as much as possible, as you will be working with surgeons, internists, pediatricians, etc ALL THE TIME.

Think about getting some PM&R rotations in at the beginning of the fourth year or during "audition season"... I did two and wouldn't recommend doing any more because you want to be able to use your fourth year to keep learning and explore other fields that overlap with PM&R (try for neurology rotations, ortho, urology, rheumatology, palliative care, the list goes on).

When you do your "auditions", work hard, show enthusiasm, be a team player, and make sure to brush up on MSK anatomy, dermatomes, neuroanatomy, etc.

There are many opportunities for medical students to rotate through PM&R programs during the summer as externships (some are actually paid and could even lead to research & publications!), and this is a great way to learn more and show your face as well.

Re: Board examinations for DO applicants... the consensus seems to be that COMLEX I and COMLEX II are sufficient for PM&R. That being said, always check with specific programs because the programs have different requirements!

In my experience... on the interview trail, no one ever asked me why I did not take the USMLE. PM&R as a field also tends to be DO friendly, with many DO professors or program directors/chairs, so their familiarity with DO applicants is greater than in other fields.

 

[100YardDash]

Show a genuine interest in the field. Try and do well during your step exams and clinical grades. Get LORs from Physiatrists. Also, when you go on your interviews, I think it's important to have a good understanding of what PM&R really is and be prepared to explain why you are attracted to the field. I really think that proving that you really do have a genuine interest in PM&R carries a lot of weight.

I wasn't the best student.. My step 1 was a 210/87, step 2 was 212/90. Had ~ 3.2 GPA.. But I had strong pm&r LORs... One from a PD, and two others from faculty at UT southwestern and UT Galveston. I was always told on all my rotations (pm&r or not) that I was a very easy going guy and a pleasure to work with. I did not know all the answers but I made sure to look them up if i didn't... I always showed up on time (10 minutes early) and had a good attitude. I got along well with my patients and if I had free time I always went to PT/OT with my patients and tried to learn from the physical and occupational therapists. I wasn't afraid to break a sweat and rolled up my sleeves and always offered help to the staff with patient transfers. I got along with all the staff and went out of my way to introduce myself to everyone, from nurses to custodial workers on the floor. We are all on the same team! Hope this helps.

P.S. I matched at my top choice

 

[anonapp2011]

Follow the above advice! Additionally, more specific things that I did:

My school doesn't have a PM&R department so I definitely had to do an away rotation. Like others have said, it's not a mandatory rotation so it should be on your radar towards the end of third year to schedule. Spots tend to fill up fast. Rotate at an institution that you want to complete your residency.

If I was done with my work, I offered to help my resident and the residents not even on my team with their pre-rounding. When I had downtime, I also checked out PT/OT. I also asked if there were opportunities to go to additional clinics for what I was interested in - sports med, cancer rehab, etc. Make sure you also work closely with a few attendings so they get to know you and will definitely write strong letters of rec.

It's also important to do well in all your rotations - I believe that's where PD's get a sense of what kind of resident you'll be. Things like being a team player, giving presentations, treating everyone with respect, etc. are revealed in your MSPE.

Our field is also looking for people who are interested in conducting research - many programs make it mandatory. So you have time to find a project and boost your CV that way too.

I'm in allopathic school with board scores between 200-210 on both steps.