Residency Training Program

Program Overview

We offer a four-year categorical ACGME-accredited Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation training program. We are committed to supporting trainees who work with a diverse patient population under the mentorship of outstanding faculty that foster inter-professional teamwork. The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is dedicated to excellence in rehabilitative care through advances in rehabilitation research, collaboration across health care disciplines, outstanding educational opportunities, and strong patient advocacy.

Why Choose Us

  • Residents work in a collaborative and supportive environment that provides comprehensive training in complex clinical skills, education, and research in PM&R.
  • The majority of our graduating classes are accepted into fellowship programs.  
  • Residents have protected time for didactics and wellness activities.
  • Residents work with faculty who are engaged in leadership positions regionally, nationally, and internationally ranging from the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR), American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R), North American Spine Society (NASS), Spine Intervention Society (SIS), Tennessee Department of Health, and the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. For additional information about our faculty, including research and clinical interests, Click Here.  
  • For the third year in a row, Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital is recognized as one of America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers in 2022.
  • We provide a robust and collaborative environment for residents to engage in scholarly activities across the spectrum of PM&R. For the latest in PM&R Resident Research, Click Here. 

To Apply

Applications are received through the Electronic Residency Application Service® (ERAS®).

All applications must include:

  • ERAS Application
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • In addition, all applicants must have successfully completed the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) Level 1 and Level 2.

Application Submission Deadline: November 1

 

Meet Our Team

Robert Rinaldi, MD 

Vice Chair, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 
Director, Residency Training Program, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Dr Yang

Aaron Yang, MD

Associate Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Associate Program Director, Residency Training Program, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Medical Director of Musculoskeletal Medicine at Concierge Medicine

 

McKirgin Headshot

Irene McKirgan, MSM

Senior Program Manager, Residency Training Program
(615) 936-5502
irene.m.mckirgan.1@vumc.org

 

 

Residency Selection Team

Along with Drs. Rinaldi and Yang, the following faculty serve as members of the residency selection team:

 

 

 Heidi Chen, MD  

Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

 

Ashley Eaves, MD

Assistant Professor of Clinical, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

 

Elise McClanahan, MD

Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

 

CJ

Clausyl J. Plummer, MD

Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

 

For more information about the PM&R Residency Program and Graduate Medical Education at VUMC, Click Here to view virtual tours.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We accept four residents per year. 

  • Yes. There is a one month rotation in PM&R.

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Center, Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Tennessee Health System (VA Hospital), Dayani Center for Health and Wellness,  Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, and Vanderbilt Outpatient Clinics.

  • Yes. Each resident is expected to participate in a research project during the residency.  Residents may take an elective month during their 3rd or 4th year, if needed to complete their project.

  • Yes. During PGY-3 & PGY-4 years, residents have a total of 3 elective [away rotations] or selective [internal rotations] months.

  • 80

  • Approximately 1,130 adult and pediatric combined

  • Currently, PGY-2 residents take home call an average of 2 nights per month and 8 weekends per year.  PGY-3 residents also average 2 nights per month and 3 weekends per year.  PGY-4 residents cover 2 weekends per year. 

  • $2,500 will be given each year for educational expenses and for travel to national conferences

    • Weekly didactic sessions
    • Ultrasound course
    • Monthly Grand Rounds
    • Spine conferences
    • Journal Club

  • Yes, USMLE and/or COMPLEX exam scores are required with a passing score for USMLE Step 1 and/or COMPLEX Level 1.

  • Due to the vast number of highly qualified applicants, only a small number of international medical graduates are invited to interview. Significant "hands-on" clinical experience in the United States (NOT an observership or research) is highly recommended. For international medical graduates we require: 

    • Three letters of recommendation from clinical supervisors in the United States 
    • USMLE Steps 1 & 2 scores are required at the time of interview
    • Medical School graduation date of 2020 or later 
    • We sponsor J-1 Visas and consider sponsoring H-1B Visas