Overview
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, also known as physiatrists, treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The specialty is primarily dedicated to treating the whole person and not just the problem area, towards the goals of improved function and quality of life.
If you are considering a career in PM&R, then there are many reasons why you should consider applying to complete a rotation here in the UAMS PM&R department. A PM&R rotation is also an excellent learning opportunity for any student considering a career in internal medicine, family practice, neurology or geriatrics. Students who rotate through our department leave with a better understanding of the interplay between disease and function, an improved appreciation for the team approach to patient management and of course, clearer insight into what a physiatrist is and does.
UAMS students have the following options from which to choose:
- a two-week third year Selective course (REHA 8301)
- a four-week fourth year PM&R Survey Elective (REHA 8403)
- a four-week fourth year Spinal Cord Injury Elective (REHA 8404)
In general, the two fourth year courses are also offered to visiting M4 students. Prospective visiting students should review the College of Medicine visiting student course catalog to verify PM&R course availability for the current academic year. Additional information about the requirements for visiting students and the application process may be found on the College of Medicine visiting student webpage. We only utilize the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) system for visiting medical student applications.
Students rotate through a combination of the UAMS PM&R outpatient, the PM&R consult service at the UAMS Medical Center, inpatient services at Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute, inpatient and outpatient services at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Center in Little Rock and rehab units and clinics at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Transportation between training sites is not provided, so students must be able to travel within approx. 5 miles from UAMS main campus. Specific clinical exposures may vary and may, in some cases, be customized to meet the specific personal goals and objectives of the student.
The PM&R department at UAMS has a rich and vibrant history of being involved in student education. From faculty to residents to therapists, the entire team enjoys sharing what we do with you. The department consistently receives accolades and high praise for having a well-organized, practical and very hands-on approach to student learning. While on rotation with us, students are considered to be a part of our department. This includes full integration into our didactic program and our various social events.
If you have questions about rotating in PM&R at UAMS, please contact Dr. Tory Hunton (UAMS M3) at SVHunton@uams.edu or Dr. Lindsay Mohney (UAMS M4/Visiting M4/OMS4 Students) at LMohney@uams.edu.
What Past Students Have Said About Their PM&R Rotations
“I believe the most valuable components of this clerkship included the Resident and Attending faculty. Also, even though the clerkship was only two weeks, I believe that there was sufficient variety to better understand the specialty.”
“All the residents and attendings were so kind and welcoming in the rotation. They genuinely seemed happy that I was there. Everyone was willing to teach and help out in any way that they could. I was glad to be able to see multiple different aspects of PMR in a VERY short amount of time.”
“Getting hands-on experience when it was possible was great. [Faculty] allowed me to go in a couple of rooms and talk to patients before she came in, and [Faculty] and [Faculty] both allowed me to assist with botox injections and pump refills. I enjoyed being able to work with multiple doctors to see the different aspects of PM&R.”
“This was by far my favorite rotation in medical school. I was able to see pathology that I had only read about in my textbooks. Everyone was extremely polite and very helpful. Thank you to the UAMS PM&R department for having me over as a visiting student. I hope to see you all again soon!”
PM&R Student Interest Group
The UAMS College of Medicine PM&R Special Interest Group meets at least once a semester to discuss topics relating to the PM&R field including subspecialties and careers. Members are also invited to attend PM&R Resident Journal Clubs and other special events.
2022-2023 Officers
- Olivia Tzeng and Jonathan Ross, Co-Presidents
- Delice Kayishunge and John Hunton, Co-Vice Presidents
- Aaron Gaul, PMRIG Representative/Chair