Current Implementation Of Regenerative Medicine Curriculum In Pm&R Residency Programs: A Program Director Survey

PURPOSE: To assess if and how education/training in Regenerative Medicine is being implemented in PM&R residency programs. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among program directors of PM&R residency programs in the United States from August 1st, 2024 to October 1st, 2024. The survey was created in the REDCap platform and distributed via email. Contact information was gathered from the American Medical Association Residency & Fellowship Database or the program’s website. Part of the survey items assessed the structure of regenerative medicine curricula, faculty qualifications, and educational methods. RESULTS: A total of 28 programs completed the survey (25.0% response rate). Most of the responses (23, 82.1%) were from programs categorized as “University-based.” Half (14, 50.0%) responded they do not offer education or training in Regenerative Medicine. The average faculty teaching Regenerative Medicine was 3.1 ± 2.4 faculty members per program, with an average number of 2.7 ± 1.9 faculty members with previous qualifications and training in the field. In programs that offer a curriculum in Regenerative Medicine, top three areas they cover are: Basic science and therapeutic mechanism of action (12, 85.7%), Evidence-based clinical applications (11, 78.6%), and Contraindications (10, 71.4%). In an academic year, programs dedicate an estimated 1-5 hours to Regenerative Medicine education. The curriculum is mostly theoretical (6, 46.2%). Top three educational activities used for Regenerative Medicine education are: Lectures (12, 85.7%), Journal Clubs (8, 57.1%), and Clinical Rotations (8, 57.1%). Top three forms of evaluation in which such education is assessed are: Direct Observation (Informal Patient Encounter) (6, 42.9%), Case-based Discussions (5, 35.7%), and No formal evaluation (5, 35.7%). CONCLUSION: The integration of regenerative medicine education in PM&R residency programs across the United States is currently limited. Despite the growing relevance of regenerative medicine in PM&R, there is a need for more structured and comprehensive educational initiatives.