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Medical Student Education

Explore a PM&R Elective Rotation at Mary Free Bed

Mary Free Bed offers a four-week elective rotation for third- and fourth-year medical students interested in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). This rotation, conducted through the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Grand Rapids Campus, takes place at our main campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

This rotation is a unique opportunity to explore PM&R, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for your next steps in medical education.

Why Choose Mary Free Bed for Your PM&R Rotation?

Comprehensive Clinical Experience

Explore physiatry across diverse inpatient and outpatient settings, working alongside residents and faculty to learn about our programs and services.

Specialty areas include:

  • Spine and musculoskeletal care
  • Rehabilitation for spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, cancer and pediatrics
  • Amputation care, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and spasticity management

Hands-On Learning

Participate in patient care, teaching sessions, and didactic activities, gaining insight into the daily workflow of residents.

Guided Mentorship

Faculty with a passion for medical education will involve you in patient care while offering guidance and answering questions about our residency program.

Application Details

Capacity

Two medical students are accepted per four-week block.

How to Apply

Submit your application via the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) platform.

For International Students

Email the completed application form to StudentOnboarding@maryfreebed.com.
Note: We are unable to sponsor visas for international students.

  • To view block dates, click here:

Block Dates Schedule

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Shadowing Opportunities

Shorter shadowing experiences (up to three per block) are also available, subject to availability. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • For details, email:

StudentOnboarding@maryfreebed.com

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Learn More About PM&R

Whether you’re early in medical school or approaching residency applications, here are some tips to prepare for a career in PM&R:

Master Anatomy
Build a strong foundation in musculoskeletal and neuroanatomy, focusing on upper- and lower-extremity muscles, their innervations and nerve roots. This knowledge is critical for procedures like EMG testing.
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Gain Clinical Experience

Observing in a PM&R clinic allows you to:

  • Interact with patients
  • Learn diagnostic tests and examination techniques
  • Demonstrate commitment to the specialty for your residency application
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Join Professional Organizations

Engage with groups like the Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP) and AAPM&R, which offer:

  • Annual conferences with programming for medical students
  • Networking opportunities with program leaders
  • Resources for staying connected to the field
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Pursue Clinical Rotations
If your medical school lacks a PM&R department, consider elective opportunities at hospitals like Mary Free Bed to build hands-on experience and obtain Letters of Recommendation.
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