McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

Program Identity & Fit

This is a premier academic PM&R program based predominantly at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the nation's top-ranked rehabilitation hospital and a unique "translational" research facility where clinicians and scientists work in shared space, with additional training at Northwestern Memorial, Lurie Children's, Jesse Brown VA, and community sites. Research is deeply embedded in program identity, with a dedicated 5-year research track, the Starzl Academy for physician-scientist development, and named faculty labs spanning neuroplasticity, prosthetics/orthotics biomechanics, and pain chronification. The program emphasizes individualized career development through optional tracks (Research, Medical Education, Leadership, Quality Improvement) plus six months of elective/selective time, signaling a preference for residents with defined subspecialty or academic interests over generalists. Given its complex tertiary/quaternary patient population, translational research infrastructure, and multiple named academic pathways, the program values residents oriented toward academic physiatry, subspecialty fellowship training, or research-driven careers.