University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences UAMS College of Medicine Program

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Analyst Verified · Oct 3, 2026

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences UAMS College of Medicine Program

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences UAMS College of Medicine Program is a residency program specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, directed by Rani H. Gardner, MD and coordinated by Tamara Chunn. The program accepts applications through January 1, 2027 and holds an accreditation status of Continued. International Medical Graduates interested in this program may contact the program coordinator directly at [email protected] or (501) 526-7732. IMGPrep analysts have verified and compiled this program’s IMG acceptance rate, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 score requirements, Visa Sponsorship Policy, graduation year cutoff, and ECFMG certificate requirements — available to IMGPrep subscribers.

Program Identity & Fit

UAMS PM&R is a four-year categorical, university-based program built on a multi-site model spanning academic medical center (UAMS), a free-standing rehabilitation institute (BHRI), a large pediatric hospital (Arkansas Children's), and VA facilities, giving residents broad exposure to adult and pediatric inpatient/outpatient physiatry, EMG, and subspecialty clinics (spinal cord injury, spasticity, amputee, pain, cancer rehab). As the primary academic rehabilitation training program in the state, it emphasizes a structured 24-month revolving didactic curriculum, mentor groups, and individualized career pathing rather than a single research or fellowship track. Research exposure exists (a dedicated rehabilitation research didactic block) but is not positioned as central; the program instead foregrounds clinical breadth, self-reflection/professional development, and team leadership in a mixed academic-community, safety-net-adjacent environment serving Arkansas and the surrounding region. The program values self-directed learners comfortable across diverse settings (VA, pediatric, free-standing rehab, tertiary academic) and engaged in continuous feedback loops (annual resident retreat shaping curriculum and policy).

Who it fits

An applicant whose ERAS narrative reflects broad-based clinical adaptability across varied settings (VA, pediatric, community rehab) and a stated interest in comprehensive general physiatry practice rather than a narrow subspecialty research trajectory fits naturally here.

Research intensity

Low - a rehabilitation research didactic block exists but research is not emphasized as a program priority or requirement.

Career orientation

Mixed - Community Practice, Fellowship

Important

Preference is given to applicants submitting a letter of recommendation from a PM&R physician, and the supplemental ERAS application (geographic preference, most meaningful experiences, program signals) is reviewed as part of selection.

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