All the programs I've researched give plenty of information on the rotation breakdown starting at PGY-2, but what makes up the first year in a categorical rehab residency? How does it differ from doing a transitional year or prelim year?
I matched advanced, but to my knowledge the categorical programs are very similar to an IM prelim year. There can be subtle differences like increased PM&R exposure, but for the most part it's like a medicine prelim year. Please correct me, anyone, if I'm wrong.
Categorical programs have wide variety of PGY1 set ups -- some are almost all IM some have a mix of IM and surgery. The program I matched to has 6 months of IM/surgery + 5 months of specialties related to PM&R + 1 month of PM&R.
The only categorical I can remember that is truly unique was LSU which told us you could basically make your own PGY1 schedule with as much or as little medicine/surgery/specialties you wanted (with the restriction of only 1 month of PM&R).
Its something ask about on interview day. Everywhere is open about what they offer and what to expect each year. At least that's what I experienced.