Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Clinical Elective)

2 units

The elective is designed to provide the student with a broad introduction to the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR). Major objective of this clinical elective is to achieve greater knowledge of the neurological and musculoskeletal diseases and their treatment, and gain understanding of basic principles of rehabilitation. The student will learn the clinical and rehabilitative care of patients with strokes, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord trauma and diseases, and limb amputations. Student will gain clinical skills in evaluating in management of functional impairments. Students will be expected to participate in daily rounds on inpatient rehabilitation units with the clinical care team, follow 3-4 patients, attend multidisciplinary team conferences and family meetings, attend outpatient rehabilitation clinics in spinal cord, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and amputee. Teaching and supervision is provided by the Division of Neuro-Rehabilitation faculty. PMR residents are involved in student teaching as well. Students are required to participate in didactic teaching conferences within the PM&R residency. Participation in Musculoskeletal PMR clinic in the Orthopedic surgery department can be arraigned on individual basis. This rotation is particularly useful for students considering careers in Rehabilitation, Neurology, Geriatrics, Primary care, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic surgery, Polytrauma, or any other field that will require experience in the evaluation and management of patients with physical impairment and disabilities.