Medical Students

Medical Students: Prioritize Your Personal Statement When Applying to PM&R Residency Programs

Given that medical student rotations have been impacted by COVID-19, we spoke to PM&R residency program directors and they understand that not all well-qualified applicants will have the opportunity to do a PM&R rotation. You may be concerned about what this means when you apply for residency programs.

In the past, your rotation experience and letters of recommendation have been highly valued. While those remain components, residency programs will also be heavily considering your personal statement and other aspects of your application. Without face-to-face interviews, your personal statement is the key to telling your story and helping you shine. Share why you are interested in the residency program and what appeals to you the most. You'll find additional suggestions on crafting your statement in this section.

About Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)

• A Medical Student’s Guide to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Understanding PM&R: The Role of PM&R in Providing Quality Healthcare
• Learn about PM&R from Practicing Physicians

A Program Just for You

• Medical Student Program at the AAPM&R Annual Assembly—Medical students who attend this program will hear from practicing physiatrists about the diversity of practice environments within the specialty including the clinical, lifestyle, and socioeconomic aspects. Check out this helpful handout from the 2022 program!

Your Academy Resources

• A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying to a PM&R Residency Program – Learn about the 4 steps of applying to a residency program.
• Medical School Roadmap to PM&R – Learn about what’s involved during your 4 years of medical school.
• Consider a Career in PM&R – A guide from our Medical Student Program at the 2022 Annual Assembly detailing what you can expect from working in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
• Podcasts from the Medical Student Program
• Career Path Podcasts
• Resources for Foreign Medical Graduates Interested in PM&R
• Starting a PM&R Interest Group
• Online Learning Portal - AAPM&R's online education platform
• PM&R Programs Map - view a map of all PM&R programs.
• Q&A with Residents - medical student questions answered by Resident Ambassadors
• Ask for a Physician Patient Card 

Additional Resources

• American Medical Student Association (AMSA)

• Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP)

• Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)

  ERAS is a service that transmits residency applications and supporting credentials from medical schools to residency program directors using the Internet.

• National Resident Matching Program, NRMP

  Detailed instructional guides to help you understand and navigate the Main Match and the Specialty Matches.

• American Medical Association (AMA)
  • Medical Student Section