Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Admissions

We recruit to fill eight residency slots per training year.

We select around 64 applicants for an interview.

BCM PM&R is a three-year advanced (36 months) program beginning at the PGY-2 level; however, we do have two PM&R-dedicated BCM Internal Medicine spots allocated. The applicant is responsible for applying for either those PM&R spots, a transitional program, or a preliminary PGY-1 position. You can apply to both the BCM Internal Medicine dedicated PM&R spots and the BCM Internal Medicine preliminary program. (View the American Board of PM&R requirements.)

There is no minimum (or maximum) number of years since graduation. We do require either completion or planned completion of at least a PGY-1 year prior to starting training with us.

Our recruitment begins with the opening of ERAS in September each year. All interested applicants must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service. Completed applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

We offer 12 interview sessions per recruitment period between October and January. The number of candidates invited to interview will not exceed the number of available interview spots.

We require the following supporting documents with your application:  

• Three letters of recommendation 
• Current CV 
• Personal statement 
• Dean’s letter 
• Medical school transcript 
• USMLE/COMLEX transcript  

The SLOW is not required, but it is encouraged.

Note: If there is a change of name from that on the above documents, submit a marriage certificate or legal name change documentation.

View information specific to International Medical Graduates below.

An interview is required. All interviews will be virtual for this recruitment cycle. 

You will interview with three faculty members or residents and with the program director. Our interviews consist of a semi-structured format with questions that ask you to reflect on your past experiences and describe how you think about your future role as a resident, physiatrist, and member of the healthcare community at large. The questions may ask you to describe your behaviors in past situations, outline your approaches to hypothetical situations that you may encounter as a resident, and provide your perspective on the field of physiatry and the healthcare system.

Our goal is to provide equitable opportunities for candidates to show their thought processes and personalities and to evaluate potential fit for our program in a standardized manner. The interviewers will be evaluating the content of your responses to the structured portions of the interview while maintaining neutral reactions in the interest of maintaining fairness and consistency across candidates. During the interview day, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with our residents and the residency program directors.

No, we do not have a specific cut-off score. With the transition of USMLE Step 1 to pass/fail, we are not implementing a cut-off score using USMLE Step 2. Your entire application packet, including your supporting documents, is reviewed and assessed. 

Yes, we accept applications from students at osteopathic schools and international medical graduates. See the International Medical Graduates section below for information.

We view away electives as an opportunity for applicants to get to know our program and what it offers. Due to the limitations in equitable access to elective rotations, taking an elective in PM&R at our institution will not affect an applicant’s chances of being selected. A letter of recommendation from a BCM faculty member with favorable comments on performance during an away elective will be considered in a balanced fashion with the other supporting documents in your application. For more information regarding away electives, visit the  Baylor College of Medicine Elective Program.

Yes. Each program will be accepting applications and selecting residents independently. For more information on the UT PM&R program View more information visit the UT PM&R program website.

Applicants selected for interviews will receive interview invitations by e-mail by mid-October.

We welcome qualified applicants with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of our training program with or without reasonable accommodations. If you are a trainee who needs accommodations during your interview, please contact Catherine Romero at pmandr@bcm.edu.

For more information, contact Catherine Romero at pmandr@bcm.edu.

We accept applicants with the J-1 visa only.

A PGY-1 year in an accredited US program is required for all applicants, whether U.S. medical graduates or international medical graduates.

While research in the U.S. might be favorably considered, it is not a requirement in the decision to interview a candidate.

We require the following supporting documents with your application. Please note that all documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

• Three letters of recommendation
• Current CV
• Personal statement
• Dean’s letter
• USMLE transcript
• Medical school diploma
• Medical school transcript from all medical schools attended. Transcript must show grades obtained in medical school (i.e., M.B.B.S. marks, statement sheet). The transcript must show actual courses and grades.
• Transcript of medical school clerkships showing actual hours. (If not included in the academic transcript)
• Valid ECFMG certificate (must have valid-through dates stamped at the bottom, or can be valid indefinitely)
• If there is a change of name from that on the above documents, submit a marriage certificate or legal name change documentation.