Residency Training

The PM&R residency is sponsored by ECU Health which includes the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and ECU Health Medical Center with its 75-bed Regional Rehabilitation Center. The Brody School of Medicine was founded over 30 years ago and is nationally recognized for its leadership in primary care education. ECU Health Medical Center along with several surrounding community hospitals comprise ECU Health. ECU Health Medical Center is a 900-bed tertiary care hospital with Level I trauma center.

The Regional Rehabilitation Center is a 75-bed, state-of-the-art, CARF-accredited facility with specialty wards for traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and pediatrics. The Center also includes separate outpatient and day rehabilitation programs as well as a modern therapeutic pool.

The PM&R Residency Program at East Carolina University provides many unique training opportunities which are highlighted below.

  • The large, diverse population which flows from a 29-county referral base and the Level I Trauma Center provides the resident an exceptional clinical experience managing patients with a broad range of diagnoses. Strong relationships between the PM&R Department and acute care services such as Trauma, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Radiology, and Medicine, including Rheumatology, allows for continuity of care and early involvement of Rehabilitation Medicine.
  • Our categorical program is unique in that the built-in transitional year provides excellent training and exposure to a wide array of specialties, including orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, neurology, trauma surgery, plastic surgery, general medicine, family medicine, PM&R, and an elective month. The transitional year allows the intern to become acquainted with virtually the entire hospital staff and master the electronic health care record (Epic), thereby facilitating a smooth transition when starting PGY-2 year.
  • Balanced exposure to the entire scope of PM&R practice is achieved through a variety of inpatient, outpatient, and consultation rotations. Elective time is provided to allow the resident the ability to pursue particular areas of interest.
  • A strong, comprehensive didactic curriculum is designed to fully prepare the resident for board certification and promote life-long learning habits. Attendance at didactic sessions is top priority for residents.
  • A devotion to research and development of critical appraisal skills is accomplished through resident participation in scholarly projects as well as structured Journal Club and Research Conference sessions.
  • Dedication to high quality of life is emphasized in this program where the demands and expectations of the resident physician can be high. Residents work hard, but also have time for family and outside interests. The work environment is supportive and collegial.