A Letter from the Chief Residents

Congratulations on reaching this exciting stage of your medical training! We know the residency application process can feel overwhelming, and we appreciate the time and effort you’ve invested in learning about our program. While your application introduces us to your accomplishments and experiences, we look forward to meeting you and learning more about who you are beyond what can be captured on paper.

As chief residents, we’ve had the privilege of experiencing this program from the inside, and we’re excited to share what has made Mary Free Bed such a rewarding place for us to train. As you explore residency programs, we hope you’ll take the opportunity to learn what makes our institution, our city, and our people unique.

Our story began in 1891 when a group of Grand Rapids women recognized a need for medical care for disadvantaged members of the community. They launched a fundraising campaign to provide a single free hospital bed, asking for donations from anyone named Mary, or anyone who knew a Mary. The result was the first “Mary Free Bed.” More than 130 years later, that same spirit of compassion, service, and community continues to shape both the care we provide and the way we train our residents.

Our residents receive comprehensive inpatient and outpatient training across the full spectrum of PM&R, including brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, medically complex rehabilitation, pediatric rehabilitation, cancer rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal medicine. We are one of the few rehabilitation hospitals in the region to care for ventilator-dependent patients, and this fall we will open a standalone pediatric rehabilitation hospital, further expanding opportunities for resident education.

Our outpatient experience includes electrodiagnostic medicine, musculoskeletal and neurologic rehabilitation, interventional spine, and functional rehabilitation. Residents also work closely with our in-house prosthetics and orthotics team throughout the evaluation, fabrication, and fitting process. Beyond the clinical setting, we have opportunities to participate in Mary Free Bed’s adaptive sports programs including hockey, tennis, and skiing, allowing them to experience rehabilitation beyond the hospital walls and see patients return to the activities they love.

Just as important as where you train is where you live. Grand Rapids offers the amenities of a growing city while maintaining an approachable and affordable lifestyle. Residents enjoy

a vibrant food and brewery scene, miles of trails and parks, easy access to Lake Michigan’s beaches and outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re looking for an active weekend outdoors, local arts and entertainment, or a great place to raise a family, Grand Rapids offers something for everyone.

As you consider where to continue your training, we hope you’ll explore everything Mary Free Bed has to offer. We are looking for residents who are compassionate, intellectually curious, dedicated to lifelong learning, and committed to improving the lives of their patients and communities. While we’re proud of the training our program provides, we believe the people are what truly make Mary Free Bed special. It’s the reason we’ve enjoyed our time here, and we look forward to sharing that experience with you during interview season.

If you have any questions throughout the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact our residency program coordinator, Sarah Thompson, at PMR.Residency@maryfreebed.com.

We wish you the very best throughout the residency application season and look forward to meeting you.

Justin McCarthy, MD Chief Resident

Donovan Wilcox, MD Chief Resident