A physiatrist (PM&R physician) helps people with injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, amputations, chronic pain and sports problems function as well as possible. The path is long and fixed: a bachelor's degree with premed science, four years of medical school (MD or DO), a one-year internship, a three-year PM&R residency, and then board certification. Every stage below teaches you what to learn and how to practice it, using free material. You can do this one step at a time: first learn the body and how to talk with patients, then learn to examine and diagnose, then add procedures, electrod
See the full roadmap free
Every stage from beginner to expert, with lessons, practice drills, projects, interview questions and free resources. Free with a Rolearch account.
Stage 1 of 3 · about 40 weeks
Build the science base and clinical exposure to get into medical school, and learn how the body moves and heals.
Anatomy and movement (musculoskeletal and nervous system)
Physiatrists diagnose by knowing which muscle, nerve root or joint is behind a weakness or pain. If you know the anatomy, an exam finding like foot drop makes sense: you can trace it from the peroneal nerve to the L5 root.
Premed science: biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry
Medical schools require these courses, and the MCAT tests them. Physiology and biochemistry are the language of every later medical decision.
Clinical exposure and understanding disability
Rehab is about the person's life, not only the diagnosis. Time with patients tells you whether you enjoy this work, and admissions committees expect it.
Communication and active listening
Your top skills in this job are listening, speaking and critical thinking. Patients in pain or with new disability need to feel heard before they will follow a plan.
Then 2 more stages (about 560 weeks in all) with lessons, drills, projects, 6 interview questions with strong answers and free resources.