Specialty Guide

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Less Competitive

228–248

Step 2 Range

236

Avg Step 2

~500

Total Spots

~91%

Match Rate

A growing specialty with excellent work-life balance and expanding scope. Program sizes are small, making personal fit and demonstrated interest particularly important.

IMG-Friendly

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation programs routinely match IMGs. Strong board scores and clinical experience in the US remain important, but the door is genuinely open.

Key Facts

Annual Positions~500

Avg Step 2 (Matched)~236

Overall Match Rate~91%

IMG Match Rate~25-30%

Training Length4 years (incl. intern year)

What Programs Weigh Most

Step 2 scoreClinical evaluationsPM&R exposureLetters from physiatristsInterest in functional rehabilitation

Match Strategy

PM&R is an underappreciated specialty with excellent lifestyle characteristics, strong fellowship opportunities, and a growing clinical scope. Programs are smaller (3–6 residents per year), which means individual fit matters significantly. Applicants who have spent time in PM&R settings and can articulate a specific interest in functional rehabilitation — not just 'lifestyle' — are consistently more successful. Some IMG representation, particularly at programs in larger academic medical centers.

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