University of North Carolina Hospitals Program

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Analyst Verified · Sep 24, 2026

University of North Carolina Hospitals Program

University of North Carolina Hospitals Program is a residency program specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, directed by William G. Filer III, MD and coordinated by Thomas Petruska. The program accepts applications through October 21, 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 (984) 974-0295. 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

UNC's PM&R program is a public, university-affiliated, 4-year categorical program (4 residents/year) based at a tertiary-care, Level I trauma center, giving residents exposure to complex neurological, musculoskeletal, and multi-system rehabilitation cases. The department carries meaningful research infrastructure, including NIH-funded integrative medicine, T-32 fellowship affiliation, and active clinical/observational studies in stroke, amputee care, chronic pain, and maternal health, though residents are not required to produce independent research beyond an Annual Research Day. Curriculum breadth spans EMG, pediatric rehab, spine, sports medicine, and inpatient/outpatient rotations, with distinctive exposure through Carolina Performing Arts coverage, the NFL Brain and Body Program, and TelAbility, reflecting an interest in niche clinical populations (performing artists, athletes, pediatric/complex disability). The program explicitly values holistic applicants demonstrating service commitment, inclusive care orientation, communication, and teamwork over pure academic metrics, while preparing graduates for both fellowship and general clinical practice.

Who it fits

An applicant with broad-based clinical interests in complex rehabilitation medicine, a demonstrated commitment to underserved or diverse patient populations, and openness to either fellowship subspecialization or general physiatric practice, rather than a narrowly research-driven trajectory.

Research intensity

Moderate - available and departmentally active (NIH-funded integrative medicine and clinical studies) but not an expected or required resident output beyond an annual research day.

Career orientation

Mixed - Fellowship, Community Practice

Important

The program states it uses Program Signals in interview selection, giving preference to applicants who signal strong interest, and does not consider ERAS-indicated geographic preferences in its selection process.

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