Many of your core rotations (internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics) will play an important role in your career as a PM&R physician since you will likely be managing at least a few general medical problems in addition to more core physiatric issues. That being said, electives during medical school can be very helpful in supplementing your physiatric education.
Use the following table to supplement your rotations in preparation for residency in PM&R:
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Specialty
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Usefulness
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Anesthesiology
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To understand the pharmacology and pathophysiology of pain and use of appropriate interventions, including medications
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Neurology
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To learn neurologic exam techniques, management and complications of acute stroke, and secondary stroke prevention
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Neurosurgery
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To learn neuroanatomy, neurologic exam techniques, neurosurgical emergencies, and neuroradiology
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Orthopedic Surgery/Sports Medicine
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To learn musculoskeletal anatomy, physical exam techniques, surgical and nonsurgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, casting and splinting techniques, and post-op precautions and management
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Radiology
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To better understand and interpret radiological studies and to order appropriate imaging to work-up specific differential diagnoses
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Rheumatology
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To learn joint injection and physical exam techniques
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Urology
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To learn management of neurogenic bladder due to spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury, and other neurologic disorders
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