Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Department of Medicine

Curriculum

Intensive interdisciplinary learning

The five-year Dalhousie Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Training Program is founded on interdisciplinary learning and individualized support from accomplished faculty members.

The curriculum is designed to offer opportunities in all areas of special interest, either as part of the core training experience or electively, and provide ample exposure to clinical research. Graduating residents have an excellent success rate with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons final exams.

Transition to Discipline

This stage will be a 3-block rotation on physical medicine and rehabilitation focusing on establishing a solid base in performing, presenting and documenting assessments that are physiatry-based.

Foundations of Discipline

This stage will be planned as 14-blocks in length including rotations on these services:

  • Medical Teaching Unit (3)
  • Geriatrics (2)
  • Neurology (2)
  • Orthopedic Surgery (2)
  • Rheumatology (2)
  • Infectious Diseases (1)
  • Neurosurgery (1)
  • Psychiatry (1)

The goal of this stage is to gain competency in the initial management, investigations and treatment (including common procedures) of common, urgent and emergent medical and surgical issues as well as post-surgical complications and restrictions.

Core of Discipline

This stage will be planned as 32-blocks in length. During this stage the resident will gain competency in the assessment, investigation, treatment (including performing relevant procedures) communication, collaboration, leadership and advocacy skills required for the management of all complex rehabilitation patient populations and team-based interactions.

This stage will include rotations in such areas as stroke and acquired brain injury rehabilitation, spinal cord medicine, neuromuscular rehabilitation and EMG, musculoskeletal medicine, rehabilitation of persons with amputations and pediatric rehabilitation.

There will be opportunity to do elective rotations specific to a resident’s interests. There is an expectation to conduct a scholarly project (clinical research or quality/patient safety project) during this stage with completion by the end of the Transition to Practice stage.

Transition to Practice

This stage will be planned as 11-blocks in length. During this stage the resident will gain competency in the independent management of all physiatry patients while demonstrating well developed leadership, communication and advocacy skills.

This stage will also focus on development and implementation of plan for life-long learning and continuous professional development.

 

Learn about the research you'll conduct during your residency.