Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Interview Guide
Match Stats — NRMP 2024
244
Avg STEP 2 CK
2.1
Avg Publications
500
Total Positions
73%
US MD Match Rate
Interview Style
conversational — interviews typically run 20–30 minutes per session, often with multiple faculty members or residents throughout the day.
What Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Programs Look For
PM&R programs seek compassionate, functionally focused candidates who are interested in maximizing patient independence after injury or illness. A team-oriented, patient-advocacy-forward mentality is essential. Breadth of exposure (stroke, TBI, SCI, musculoskeletal, cancer rehab) is valued.
Key Themes to Prepare
- ·Questions: Why PM&R and not physical therapy or orthopedics? How do you approach a patient with a traumatic brain injury who lacks insight into their deficits? Sub-specialty interest (spinal cord injury, TBI, pain management, sports, pediatric rehab, cancer rehab, prosthetics/orthotics).
- ·PM&R is highly team-based — expect questions about working with OT, PT, SLP, and social work.
Common Question Topics
- ·"Why this specialty?" — your specific path
- ·Clinical experiences and case discussions
- ·"Why this program?" — evidence of research
- ·Future career trajectory and subspecialty interest
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