Residency Training Programs & Directors

The ABPMR relies on information from program directors to ensure that residents are progressing through their training in a satisfactory manner (e.g., registration, annual evaluation). The RRC will be notified of the programs that do not meet the reporting requirements in a timely manner.

1. At the beginning of a residency in PM&R, the residency training program director will submit a registration indicating basic information and educational background of the resident to establish a file and a computerized record for each resident. Any anticipated credit for previous satisfactorily completed ACGME– or RCPSC–approved training (which may not be for more than 12 months) must be indicated at the time of registration. Such recommendation should be reconfirmed in writing by the program director at the first annual evaluation. If the residency is designated as a combined program for dual certification or for the Clinical Investigator Pathway, the program director must submit a special form obtained from the ABPMR detailing the proposed assignment schedule for the resident. This form is then signed by both program directors.
2. The program director must confirm the authenticity of the medical degree and list its source along with any ECFMG (if applicable).
3. The ABPMR will notify the resident of the registration by the program director and direct him/her to the ABPMR website.
4. An annual evaluation of each resident is to be submitted to the ABPMR at the end of each year of training indicating quality of performance including elective services and scheduled or documented pertinent research.
5. If a resident is placed on probation, a plan for remedial action must be submitted.
6. If a resident transfers to another program in PM&R, the ABPMR must be notified by the resident and by each program director involved regarding the circumstances of the change and the amount and content of credit being given in the dismissing program. Also required is a new registration including the proposed content and time in the accepting program. Total content of the resident’s training must meet the ABPMR’s PM&R residency training requirements.
7. When a resident first applies for admissibility to the Part I Examination, the program director certifies that satisfactory completion of the required residency training is anticipated by August 31 of the year of examination and provides a preliminary opinion regarding the candidate’s qualifications to enter independent clinical practice in the specialty. In case of subsequent change in status or recommendations regarding a candidate, the program director should notify the ABPMR promptly.
8. For residents completing training by August 31 of the year of examination, the program director must complete the final residency year’s evaluation form immediately upon completion of residency training and submit it to the ABPMR by August 1 prior to the Part I Examination. The evaluation form must include the final grade and amount of training satisfactorily completed. In addition, statements are to be included indicating that the candidate is deemed qualified to enter the independent practice of PM&R.

Clinical Investigator Pathway

The ABPMR provides an opportunity for interested residents to participate in a Clinical Investigator Pathway (CIP) during their training. The ABPMR’s criteria for certification as a clinical investigator require that a resident complete a five-year residency program that integrates training in PM&R and clinical research.

The purpose of the CIP is to increase both quality and capacity of physiatric research nationally by enabling a select group of clinically- and research-minded residents to become well trained in physiatric practice and research. The CIP is intended for PM&R residents in PM&R programs that have a strong emphasis on physiatric research.

Planning - Residents interested in a research career should work with their residency program director and research mentor to design an appropriate training plan that will provide an adequate clinical experience and meet the ABPMR’s requirements. Ideally, planning for their pathway should occur during PGY-1 and the ABPMR must receive and approve a written proposal for such training by the end of PGY-2. Programs should request requirements for the proposal from the ABPMR. CIP proposals will be reviewed individually to ensure that clinical experience and research experience are appropriately interspersed over the course of training.

Training - The first year of the five-year program is devoted to fundamental clinical skills as required for a PM&R training program. The following four years of residency training combine clinical and investigative training. Training should occur at one institution (includes all institutions with which a residency program is affiliated).

PM&R Training - All residents in the CIP must satisfactorily complete at least 24 months of accredited PM&R training. Completion of 36 months of accredited PM&R training is recommended.

Research Training - Twelve to 24 months of research is required. The ABPMR defines research as scholarly activities intended to develop scientific knowledge. During research training, 20% of each year must be spent in clinical experiences. Intermittent or blocks of clinical time will be considered.

Evaluation - Ratings of satisfactory progress must be maintained annually for each trainee in the CIP. To evaluate periods of concentrated research, the program director may submit a letter describing satisfactory progress in place of submitting a formal evaluation.

Certification Examination in PM&R - Trainees in the CIP may apply for the Part I Examination after successful completion of residency training. The ABPMR certification examinations and the certificate are the same for all candidates whether they pursue the CIP or standard PM&R training.

Combined Training Programs

Residents may elect to pursue integrated training in PM&R and another specialty by enrolling in a combined training program. The ABPMR currently approves two types of combined training: pediatrics and PM&R and internal medicine and PM&R. Both programs require completion of at least 36 months of accredited training in general comprehensive PM&R.

The proposed program agreed to by the respective residency training program directors should be submitted by the program directors to both boards for approval. Admissibility to the Part I Examination may be sought during the last year of training. Candidates must pass Part I before applying for admissibility to the Part II (oral) Examination. Guidelines for program directors interested in developing such a program are available through the ABPMR office.

Combined Training in Pediatrics and PM&R

A special agreement exists between the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and the ABPMR whereby a physician interested in dual specialty certification in pediatrics and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) can qualify for admission to the certification examinations of both boards. The individual resident must be registered in an approved combined pediatrics/PM&R residency training program no later than the end of the PGY-2 of the combined program. The programs are designed to be completed in a minimum of 60 months.

The detailed guidelines for combined training in Pediatrics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation are available here. The application form is available here and may be returned to office@abpmr.org.

Combined Training in Internal Medicine and PM&R

A special agreement exists between the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the ABPMR whereby a prospective resident interested in dual specialty certification in internal medicine and PM&R can qualify to apply for admission to the certification examinations of both boards. Admissibility is determined by satisfactory completion of a preplanned, combined, and integrated program designed to be completed in a minimum of 60 months. Before the end of PGY-2 in either specialty, the ABPMR prospectively requires approval of a detailed curricular plan for a given resident approved by both boards and signed by both program directors.

Examinations

As part of the requirements for certification by the ABPMR, candidates must demonstrate satisfactory performance on an examination conducted by the ABPMR covering the field of PM&R. The examination for certification is given in two parts, Part I (computer-based) and Part II (oral). (Refer to the examination information on the website.)

The Part I and Part II Examinations are given once each year at such times and places as the ABPMR designates. While the Part I Examination is administered simultaneously at Pearson Professional Centers nationwide, the Part II Examination is administered virtually.

Please refer to the ABPMR Examination Calendar on the website.

Part I (Computer-Based) Examination

The application and related forms for the Part I Examination are available on the physician homepage on the ABPMR website. The completed application must include a copy of the medical degree diploma or certificate and the PGY-1 certificate, if applicable.

In order to have the application considered for examination, the applicant must be scheduled to complete the graduate medical education requirements on or before August 31 immediately following the scheduled examination date for which he or she has applied. Satisfactory completion of the educational and training requirements in force at the beginning of the resident’s training in an accredited program will be considered acceptable for application for admissibility to the certification examinations.

Final admissibility is contingent upon receipt of the final-year evaluation by the program director, due August 1 in the examination year. In the final-year evaluation, the program director must affirm that the physician has satisfactorily completed physical medicine and rehabilitation residency training and has demonstrated sufficient competence to enter practice without direct supervision. The program director must recommend the physician for admissibility to the Part I Examination. If a resident is placed on probationary status during the final year of the residency program, this status must be rescinded by the program director before July 1 for the resident to be admissible.

Part II Examination

The Part II Examination is an oral examination. To be admissible to Part II, applicants must have passed the Part I Examination. The application and related forms for Part II are available on the physician homepage on the ABPMR website.

The applicant is required to submit a copy of a current, valid, and unrestricted license (including expiration date) to practice medicine in at least one jurisdiction in the United States, its territories or Canada. Evidence of unrestricted licensure in the state or states in which the physician practices will be required prior to issuance of the certificate (refer to the ABPMR Licensure Policy).

Reapplication

Physicians who have initially applied for and failed or did not take either Part I or Part II can apply for any subsequent examination administration during the board eligibility period. The same requirements will be in effect for reapplication as for initial admissibility. Refer to the ABPMR Board Eligibility Policy for specific information on the limitation of time allowed between completion of residency training and becoming certified.

Refunds and Forfeiture of Fees

Processing and late fees (if paid) are nonrefundable. Refer to the ABPMR Refunds and Forfeiture of Fees Policy for specific information regarding under which circumstances the examination fee can be refunded.

The ABPMR does not assume responsibility for notifying an applicant of the impending loss of admissibility due to an incomplete application or incomplete qualifications. The ABPMR is a nonprofit organization, and the candidates’ fees are used solely for defraying the actual expenses of the board. The directors of the ABPMR serve without remuneration. The ABPMR reserves the right to change the fees when necessary.

Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities

The ABPMR supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and makes reasonable accommodations in examination procedures for individuals with documented disabilities. Applicants with disabilities may request modifications in the administration of any examination. The ABPMR will grant such requests unless the modifications would place undue burden on the ABPMR or would fundamentally alter the measurement of the knowledge and skills that the examination is intended to assess.

Applicants considering the need for accommodations should refer to the ABPMR Requesting Accommodations under the ADA Policy, as well as the ABPMR Application for Accommodations.

Board Admissibility

“Board admissible” is a term used by the ABPMR to define the status of an applicant who has been accepted by the ABPMR as a candidate to take the examination for which he or she has applied. Designation of “board admissible” does not continue beyond the date such an examination is given, regardless of results.

Board Eligibility

The ABPMR has a board eligibility policy that identifies a specific period of time during which physicians may identify themselves as board eligible (refer to the ABPMR Board Eligibility Policy).

Examination Results

Official notifications of examination results are delivered online through the candidate’s assessment dashboard six-eight weeks after an examination is administered. Pass/fail results also will be available on the individual candidate's "Physician Home Page" on the ABPMR website. In the interest of maintaining confidentiality of candidate information, examination results are not given by telephone, fax, or email. Requests to have results mailed to a temporary or new address must be submitted to the ABPMR office in writing, either by mail, fax, or email.

The Certificate

Upon approval of the application and the candidate’s successful completion of the examinations, the ABPMR will grant a time-limited certificate to the effect that the candidate has met the certification requirements of the ABPMR. The recipient of a certificate will be known as a diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Continuing Certification (CC) procedures and requirements are available on the ABPMR website.

A certificate granted by the ABPMR does not of itself confer or purport to confer any degree or legal qualifications, privileges, or license to practice PM&R. The ABPMR does not limit or interfere with the professional activity of any duly licensed physician who is not certified by this board. Privileges granted to physicians in the practice of PM&R in any hospital or clinic are the prerogatives of that hospital or clinic, not of the ABPMR.

FAQ