The Medfools PMR Sample Residency Personal Statement Library is now open!
These example PM&R Physical Medicine residency personal statement samples are here for your viewing pleasure (fully anonymous). We’re hoping to add more in the future, including more PMR and Pre-Med personal statements. If you’ve got one to add to the free library, don’t forget to contribute yours.
PMR RESIDENCY PERSONAL STATEMENT #1
In the banquet room of an Italian restaurant in Northern Alaska, my high school track coach addressed his team and their families at the end of the season. Most senior athletes were complimented on either a winning season or a season of hard work. I had accomplished neither. In addressing me in front of the crowd he said: “Despite what the record books show, I know Karen is the best triple jumper to ever compete for this school.” I was so proud to hear those words after a season which began with me favored to win the league title and break the school record, and ended without me having the chance. My senior season turned into months of physical therapy, sitting on the bench and hoping for a chance to get back to the form I once had. Although my injury kept me from breaking that record, the lessons I learned during that time have proven to guide me in my choice of careers.
Since then I have been drawn to a career where I am involved in helping people achieve optimum function and recover from similar experiences where dreams seem lost and rehabilitation can be difficult. I had my first hands-on experience with the field of rehabilitation during college when I volunteered at the first rehabilitation hospital to open in my hometown. I worked in the Transitional Care Unit leading activities including wheelchair aerobics, art therapy and pet therapy. The physicians and therapists I met there played a role in encouraging me to apply to medical school.
During my first two years of medical school I was able to work with three different Physiatrists introduced me to a field where I witnessed the long-term relationships that developed between doctor and patient, as well as the opportunity to be the leader of a rehabilitation team. Both of these aspects of the specialty are important to me and coincide with my strengths, which include strong interpersonal skills and development of relationships as well as a love of organizing and motivating people. The ease with which I work with all types of people has always been one of the areas where I have been complemented most by others.
In my third year during my family medicine and internal medicine rotations I found my interest in the specialty confirmed by my enjoyment of my Workman’s Compensation and orthopedic surgical recovery patients. I now look forward to broadening my exposure to the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation during the two elective rotations I have in October and November.
In residency, I hope to attend a program that will provide a solid foundation in the pathophysiology as well as the clinical practice of rehabilitation medicine. I value structured training with diversity of exposure to patients and facilities. I would like to learn in an environment that encourages a close relationship with the patients as well as the other residents and faculty.
As far as my goals after residency, I would like to continue my education with fellowship training in either musculoskeletal or sports medicine. I aspire to a career in clinical medicine with opportunities to do clinical research and possibly supervise medical students and residents. I love the academic community environment and especially the constant learning that accompanies the field of medicine.