Factors Influencing Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Trainee Research Engagement

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research engagement during Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency and fellowship training is essential for advancing evidence-based medicine and fostering the development of clinician-scientists. Current Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) guidelines regarding research requirements during PM&R training are ambiguous, and it is unknown whether PM&R trainees receive adequate support to pursue research at the level they desire. This anonymous survey study aimed to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to research engagement among United States PM&R residents and fellows. Our findings suggest that PM&R trainees value research engagement. However, research productivity during PM&R residency is limited, with many trainees reporting inadequate support and time to participate in research in a meaningful way. Additional support from residency and fellowship programs, including protected time for research, as well as research-specific education and mentorship should be considered to enhance PM&R trainee research engagement.