Question about PMR

[wjs010]

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I did a search and found one thread similar, but I think it was tl;dr because there were no responses. Anyhow, I was a clinical kinesiology undergrad and almost went to PT school, but eventually wound up wanting more...i wont go into all the reasons, but obviously there is more to learn and more autonomy as a physician. So, I have 3 questions regarding PMR:

1. Is it common to see a med student who has had an inveterate interest in the MSK system and human movement, etc. to go into PMR?

2. Will PMR be around, in other words, is it strong and will be needed.

3. I plan to go to a DO school and an MD residency...do you find there is more opportunity in the MD residencies for PMR rather than going into a DO residency?

thanks.

 

[PMR 4 MSK]

1 - that's why most go into PM&R
2 - good question that no one can answer. Too many things in flux at the federal level. I'd like to think it will remain strong.
3 - there are more MD than DO opportunities, but I'm not sure if you can say which one gives better opportunities for individuals.

 

[DOctorJay]

Your plan is spot on. Do an MD internship (may become necessary in future for DOs wanting an acgme fellowship) and residency.

I was a PT, went DO, did a DO intern year, MD residency in PMR, and stayed for ACGME pain fellowship currently.

PM me with questions.

 

[Spartyon]

If you can get into an md school do it. Do is fine too as there is a good amt of do in pmr. Your chances or matching into pmr are better as an us md grad next to a do. Good luck and your experience is a huge plus entering pmr.

 

[Charlie Bravo]

If you can get into an md school do it. Do is fine too as there is a good amt of do in pmr. Your chances or matching into pmr are better as an us md grad next to a do. Good luck and your experience is a huge plus entering pmr.

I can't say I agree with this advice. PMR is a very DO friendly specialty. I don't think my chances of landing a good spot would have been improved as an MD. I think DOs bring something different to the field and a lot PDs know that. I consider myself to have average stats and got invites to many of the "top" programs.

 

[fozzy40]

I have a very similar story to you. I was actually Pre-PT and decided to go to an osteopathic school because of my interest in manual and musculoskeletal medicine. I have a Facebook group to share and my blog is in my signature. Feel free to PM with any questions and if you are interested in joining my FB group.

 

[sammybear]

If you have an interest in outpatient MSK/Sports/Spine, you will be better served by going to an osteopathic medical school. Osteopathic schools place a much greater emphasis on MSK anatomy and MSK medicine, which is often poorly represented in Allopathic med school curriculum. I went to an Osteopathic school, did a dual AOA/ACGME internship, and then an allopathic PM&R residency. I was much more prepared in MSK than my colleagues who went to highly regarded allopathic schools. Many of my colleagues have told me that they wish that their med school placed higher emphasis on MSK. PM&R is not as competitive of a field as Rads, Optho, Ortho, Anesthesia. Coming from an Osteopathic school, if you have solid grades and boards, you should have no problem getting into a good allopathic residency in PM&R.

 

[Baritonebass]

I think going to the best school you can would be best and making sure they have a pm&r department will give you the best advantage. Easier to get a letter when you've know them for years.

 

[Eilat87]

You can always pick up OMM on your own time.

You should go with an MD, why limit yourself? What if on the off chance you end up loving some other specialty, then what?

And this is coming from a DO student.

 

[cbest]

Agree with above. MD will smooth entrance into any field. This is also coming from a DO.