Program Overview

Introduction to the PM&R Diversity Sub-Internship Program

The University of Washington (UW) Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Diversity Sub-Internship program offers training opportunities to visiting medical students interested in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the health sciences. This program allows students to experience the exceptional medical training offered at UW by spending four weeks on a PM&R team performing the duties and functions of a medical student intern.

Program Goals

• Increase access to UW PM&R clerkship rotations
• Enhance student awareness of career opportunities in academic medicine and PM&R
• Encourage students to consider further PM&R training at the University of Washington
• Provide mentoring and networking for students

Eligibility

The PM&R Diversity Sub-I program is open to all 4th year visiting medical students who demonstrate both academic excellence and an interest in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in health and science professions through their life experiences or/and efforts confronting inequities. Applicants should be strongly motivated to pursue a career in PM&R and must be in good standing at an LCME- or AOA-accredited US medical school.

Available Rotations

Up to two Diversity Sub-I students will be accepted in 2025–2026. Available visiting student rotation sites in the program include:

• Harborview Medical Center (HMC)
• VA Puget Sound Rehab Care Services (VA RCS)
• VA Puget Sound Spinal Cord Injury (VA SCI)
• University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake (UWMC)

Stipend

For the 2025–2026 academic year, $1,500 in stipends will be provided to each Diversity Sub-I student for transportation and housing expenses.

Application Process

For the 2025–2026 academic year, applications are due March 10, 2025. The following documents are required:

• Current CV
• One-page personal statement, addressing:
  • What attributes, life experiences, strengths, or challenges impact your future as a clinician interacting effectively with diverse patients and your peers?
  • Describe an experience in which you may have encountered or confronted inequities in the health sciences
  • Discuss your motivation and interest in PM&R
• USMLE/COMLEX Scores
• Rotation date and site preferences, listing at least three dates/sites in order of preference

Applications will be reviewed by PM&R faculty. Once accepted, applicants will also need to submit a visiting student application. Applicants not selected may be considered in the general pool of applicants for visiting student rotations.