Fostering Inclusivity in PM&R

There is a persistent underrepresentation of women and multiple ethnic minority groups among medical school and residency applicants and trainees, particularly in physical medicine and rehabilitation. There is limited information on what causes these demographic disparities in physical medicine and rehabilitation and on strategies to increase interest in the field. To address this gap and improve early recruitment efforts, the authors conducted the first-ever national survey to gather information on premedical students' perceived barriers to medical school admissions, career interests, perceptions of physical medicine and rehabilitation, and strategies to increase interest in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The survey received 1093 responses from 236 colleges with a diverse representation of participants, including 53.3% ( n = 583) from historically underrepresented groups such as those underrepresented in medicine, and those from rural communities, and/or low socioeconomic backgrounds. Only 31.2% ( n = 313) knew the existence of physical medicine and rehabilitation. However, 60.0% ( n = 568) of respondents were interested in learning more about physical medicine and rehabilitation through shadowing a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician (82.2%, n = 780), attending workshops (75.9%, n = 720), and mentorship (58.9%, n = 559). The national survey revealed limited exposure to physical medicine and rehabilitation at the premedical level but a strong interest in dedicated mentorship and workshops, suggesting effective strategies to address underrepresentation.