Resident Life
The Program
The Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at SUNY Downstate Medical Center offers a three-year, ACGME-accredited residency training program fulfilling requirements leading to eligibility for certification by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The residency program accepts six residents annually through the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) starting at the PGY 2 level. All second year residents will begin their training on July 1st after successful completion of a year of internship training in surgery, internal medicine or transitional year.
What is The Typical Workday Like for a Resident in The Program?
Inpatient rotation: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Pre-rounding followed by rounds with attending physician in the morning, then making medication changes and calling consults discussed on rounds. Followed by spending time in the gym observing and learning from patients and therapists. In the afternoon, sit down teaching sessions with the attending as well as working on new admissions coming in the afternoon.
Outpatient rotation: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Seeing patients in a variety of specialty clinics such as general rehab, sports medicine, EMG, interventional pain, wheelchair, and prosthetics. Working on improving focused musculoskeletal exam skills. Residents have the ability to perform a variety of procedures such as botulinum toxin injections, interventional pain injections, nerve blocks, trigger point injections, ultrasound diagnosis and guided joint injections.
Wellness, Diversity and Inclusion, and Volunteering
The SUNY Downstate Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program supports our trainee’s health and wellness. We do this through social events that enhance team collaboration. We have a wellness committee run by the residents who organize outings, social gatherings, recreational sports, movie nights, happy hours, birthday parties, and more! Our residents often organize events that explore the rich culture New York City has to offer.
Further, we highly value the diversity and inclusion of our city, patients, students, faculty, and residents. We have a diversity and inclusion committee run by the residents who help ensure everyone feels welcome and that their voices are heard. The committee gives educational lectures, organizes cultural experiences, and helps ensure we have a diverse and inclusive residency program.
Additionally, our residents engage in plenty of volunteer opportunities in their spare time. Residents have volunteered at many sporting events helping to provide medical coverage. Just in the last year, residents have helped cover the New York City and Brooklyn marathons, the football and lacrosse teams at SUNY Maritime College, the local PSAL games, Brooklyn high school football games, and Boxing/MMA events. Other volunteer experiences include the Brooklyn Free Clinic, Ride to Survive, and mentoring for Downstate COM Students.
Additional Resident Wellness Information and Resources
GME Office
Resident / Fellow Wellness Website
SUNY Downstate Salary and Benefits for Residents
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
After Work
Learn more about the Student Center and Gym
