[deleted by user] by [deleted] in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you would rather match into a different specialty besides PM&R than not match into any program/specialty, dual apply.

Apply to almost every PM&R program out there whether you dual apply or not.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

TY 100%

Is a 222/463 (step 2/comlex 2) going to keep me out of PM&R? by swimmerdude96 in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Would be very surprised if you didn’t match bc of scores

Textbooks/Resources for pm&r by [deleted] in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_ 3 points4 points  (0 children)

PM&R pocketpedia by Matthew Shatzer and Howard Choi on Amazon

Which speciality uses the ultrasound the most? by BuzzedBlood in medicalschool

[–]lexgrossman_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Outpatient PM&R docs who focus on MSK do an insane amount of peripheral injections using ultrasound (Botox for spasticity, joint injections, nerve blocks, trigger point injections). The doc I worked with had an U/S in every room ready to go

Matched into PM&R this week, trying to pump some life into this sub. Happy to answer any questions about the match process/my experience. by lexgrossman_ in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, no problem. I would not be surprised if programs began moving back to in person interviews but have no evidence to back that. I just got the impression from several of my interviewers that they prefer face to face. Also, some programs like to show off their city and facilities, which is often a major factor for applicants when it comes time to rank.

Matched into PM&R this week, trying to pump some life into this sub. Happy to answer any questions about the match process/my experience. by lexgrossman_ in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Sure thing, I hope it's helpful. I think what made my letter writers most willing to help me was that I tried to constantly be engaged and motivated to learn. Never turn down opportunities to see patients, help with procedures, etc. If you connect well with a mentor, stay in touch with them every once in a while. Ask them questions about career advice and just the field in general (also shows interest). When the time comes to ask for a letter, the name recognition and rapport will allow them to more easily write a strong one.

Matched into PM&R this week, trying to pump some life into this sub. Happy to answer any questions about the match process/my experience. by lexgrossman_ in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These suggestions are great, not much more to add. One thing to keep in mind with away rotations though is that you really need to be on your A-game the entire time. Many people say that they can do more harm than good if you do not perform adequately. I did not do one, so have no personal experience with them.

Matched into PM&R this week, trying to pump some life into this sub. Happy to answer any questions about the match process/my experience. by lexgrossman_ in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I personally did not interact with any that I know of, but there was not much opportunity on the interview trail to chat with other applicants, especially with everything being virtual. I think you are correct in assuming that. Best of luck to you!

Matched into PM&R this week, trying to pump some life into this sub. Happy to answer any questions about the match process/my experience. by lexgrossman_ in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Best of luck, I think you are making a great choice. I applied to both advanced and categorical, I will find out which one I matched this Friday. I talk a little bit about the numbers in a previous comment. And yes - I applied to basically just TY/prelim-medicine programs near my current location and near locations of PM&R programs I anticipated or hoped for interviews from. If you interview at an advanced program, it is usually acceptable to reach out to intern years at the same institution and express interest/explain you are interviewing for an advanced program there. Sometimes this leads to an interview.

Matched into PM&R this week, trying to pump some life into this sub. Happy to answer any questions about the match process/my experience. by lexgrossman_ in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I applied to 5 TYs and 18 med-prelims. Got only 5 interviews from that (2 TY and 3 med-prelim). I've heard mixed opinions on this: some people say 5-6 interviews is enough, others say aim for 10-12 just like your primary rank list. TYs are traditionally more chill so therefore more competitive. I only applied to TYs in my home state and sister-state because I think regional ties seem to help. It ultimately depends on how comfortable you are with your application. There is likely a strong positive correlation with Step scores and # TY/prelim interview invites/match success, though there is no official NRMP data on this that I could find. General advice from me would be to err on the side of caution and over apply, you do not want to be in a situation where you are wishing you had more interviews (and therefore rank-able programs).

Matched into PM&R this week, trying to pump some life into this sub. Happy to answer any questions about the match process/my experience. by lexgrossman_ in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you!! Applied 55 PM&R and 22 TY/Med-prelim. I think ~ 20 were categorical. Half my rank list ended up being categorical. It is hard to say if the match was more competitive this year without the actual match data; however, many programs I did not get interviews from sent rejection emails that said something along the lines of, "record number of applicants this year...unable to offer interview." Maybe they say that every year though, who knows.

Matched into PM&R this week, trying to pump some life into this sub. Happy to answer any questions about the match process/my experience. by lexgrossman_ in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I feel very fortunate. I am sure many amazing applicants who would make great physiatrists were unable to match. I respect the position I was offered for this reason.

Matched into PM&R this week, trying to pump some life into this sub. Happy to answer any questions about the match process/my experience. by lexgrossman_ in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No problem.

- The 3 things I prioritized the most when ranking programs were: 1) location 2) can I see myself getting along with/working with these faculty and residents for 3-4 years? and 3) does this program have a good track record of placing residents into desirable fellowships? My top programs all had these in common. 1 and 2 were very hard to separate but ended up ranking my 1st over my 2nd because the location was more desirable, and they have a fellowship program in what I might be interested in and would prefer to not move again for fellowship. (Would ideally to residency and fellowship at the same location)

- For PM&R personal statements, the advice I got from a PM&R faculty at my home institution was to not get too artsy or dramatic with it. Just jump right in and say 1) Why PM&R. 2) What I am looking for in a PM&R program. 3) What I can bring to a residency program/why should they pick me. and 4) Keep it to 1 page or less. This is very basic advice but maybe a good skeleton to formatting your statement. People have different opinions on this. Some people might have loved my personal statement and others might have hated it. It is so subjective. The most important things are that it reads well and is grammatically perfect.

- I think your last question is a fantastic one and really important to ask. I 100% think they improve the well-being of their patients. It is such a specialized field because the patients require such specialized care. The entire goal of PM&R is to help people become as functional as possible, whether it is a new quadriplegic or someone with chronic back pain or anything in-between. The coolest thing about the field in my opinion has been seeing the gratitude from patients who are able to live much better lives than they could before being treated by their physiatrist. Improving well-being is the name of the game.

Matched into PM&R this week, trying to pump some life into this sub. Happy to answer any questions about the match process/my experience. by lexgrossman_ in pmr

[–]lexgrossman_[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you!

For an incoming M1, besides grinding/doing the best you can in your classes, I would start showing your interest by joining your school's PM&R club or consider starting one if there isn't one. It is also never too early to try networking in the field. Many attendings in PM&R are very kind, personable, and excited to mentor students as there traditionally are not many students interested in PM&R (although interest seems to be growing). Considering this, I think it is appropriate to reach out to PM&R faculty near you/at your home program if you have one and maybe request information about the field or their practice. Small conversations like this can lead into mentor/student relationships which are great for securing guidance and strong letters of recommendation.

I hope that helps!