Diversity and Inclusion Officer New York Medical College Baldwin, New York, United States
Objectives: To evaluate the availability and geographic distribution of full-time pelvic pain physiatrists in New York State (NYS) and to evaluate the presence of pelvic pain management or rehabilitation curriculum within PM&R residency programs. The goal of this study is to determine how these factors may contribute to gaps in access to PM&R pelvic pain care.
Design: This study involved an online curriculum review of 17 PM&R residency programs in NYS, supplemented by insights gathered from PM&R residents, to assess the presence of structured pelvic pain education. Google Map Maker was used to analyze the locations of full-time pelvic pain Physiatrists, and average travel distances for patients seeking care were calculated using Google Maps and census data.
Results: Of the 17 PM&R residency programs, none listed pelvic pain as part of their residency curriculum. One program offers a Women’s Health PM&R fellowship, and one program includes a lecture on pelvic pain. Only five full-time pelvic pain Physiatrists were identified across the entire state, all of whom are located exclusively in Manhattan and Long Island. Mapping analysis revealed significant treatment deserts, with estimated travel times by car to reach these providers averaging over 90 minutes.
Conclusions: The lack of structured pelvic pain training in PM&R residency programs, combined with the concentration of specialists in urban centers, underscores profound barriers to equitable access. Expanding pelvic pain education within PM&R training and addressing geographic disparities in provider availability are essential steps to improving specialized care for underserved populations across New York State. Future studies will assess the national availability of pelvic pain physiatrists, addressing a critical gap in patient care. Given the significant negative impact of pelvic pain on patients' health-related quality of life, this represents a major opportunity to enhance the functioning and well-being of an underserved patient population.
