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335 - A Call to Action: Fostering Diversity in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation via Early Intervention

Thursday, February 27, 2025

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM MST

Presenting Author(s)

SN

Sean Nguyen, BA

Medical Student
University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine
Blue Springs, Missouri, United States

Co-Author(s)

AA

Adedeji Adeniyi, MD

Resident Doctor
University of Washington, Columbia University
NY, New York, United States

Co-Author(s)

RF

Raysha Farah, MD

Graduate Student
Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
SF

Shane Fuentes, MD

Resident Physician
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States
BS

Brian M. Schibler, MPH

Medical Student
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
New York, New York, United States
YP

Yolanda N. Pham, MD, MPH

Resident Physician
Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, New York, United States
AI

Anthony Iuso, DO

Resident Physician (PGY3)
Montefiore Medical Center
Bronx, New York, United States
PL

Phillip A. Larbi, BSc

2nd year Medical Student
Columbia University
New York, New York, United States
SL

Sahadah Lawani, n/a

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Columbia University
Bronx, New York, United States
OS

Oliver S. Sosa, BS

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Columbia University
New York, New York, United States
MP

Mikaili Puckerine, BS

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Columbia University
Walpole, Massachusetts, United States

Objectives: There is a growing effort to increase diversity in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R).

Design: We started by conducting the first PM&R-specific national survey targeting pre-medical students to understand the reasons for underrepresentation and foster early recruitment. We collected 1093 responses from 236 colleges, representing forty-five different U.S. states or territories. There was a diverse representation of participants, including 53.3% from historically underrepresented groups such as those Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM), rural, and/or low socioeconomic backgrounds. The national survey revealed limited exposure to PM&R (31.2%, n= 313), but a strong interest in dedicated PM&R workshops (75.9%, n= 720) and mentorship (58.9%, n= 559), suggesting an effective strategy to address underrepresentation. Given our national survey results, we piloted the first multi-institutional half-day workshop involving physicians and medical school students dedicated to discussing and educating pre-medical students about PM&R.

Results: A diverse cohort of 50+ students attended the workshop, including those identifying as female (81.0%) and underrepresented in medicine (57.1%). Pre-post comparative analysis of the workshop survey showed a statistically significant rise in students’ motivation to apply to medical school (p=.018), along with a statistically significant increase in the interest and understanding of PM&R and adaptive sports (p < .001).

Conclusions: We hope our novel curriculum can be adapted for initiatives in other institutions. Even if students do not choose a career in PM&R, it may increase awareness of PM&R and improve referral patterns in connecting patients to appropriate care. Our initiative and recruitment strategy could be developed into other future programs to introduce a diverse cohort of students to PM&R as early as possible, ultimately increasing representation and improving healthcare for our diverse patient populations.