Residency Training Program

Program Overview

We offer a four-year categorical ACGME-accredited Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation training program. We are committed to supporting trainees who work with a diverse patient population under the mentorship of outstanding faculty that foster inter-professional teamwork. The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is dedicated to excellence in rehabilitative care through advances in rehabilitation research, collaboration across health care disciplines, outstanding educational opportunities, and strong patient advocacy.

Why Choose Us

• Residents work in a collaborative and supportive environment that provides comprehensive training in complex clinical skills, education, and research in PM&R.
• 100% of our graduating classes have been placed in fellowships.
• Residents have protected time for didactics and wellness activities.
• Residents work with faculty who are engaged in leadership positions regionally, nationally, and internationally ranging from the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR), American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R), North American Spine Society (NASS), Spine Intervention Society (SIS), Tennessee Department of Health, and the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching.
• For the third year in a row, Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital is recognized as one of America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers in 2022.
• We provide a robust and collaborative environment for residents to engage in scholarly activities across the spectrum of PM&R. For the latest in PM&R Resident Research, click this link. 

To Apply

Applications are received through the Electronic Residency Application Service^® (ERAS^®).

All applications must include:

• ERAS Application
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation

• In addition, all applicants must have successfully completed the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) Level 1 and Level 2.

Application Submission Deadline: November 1, 2023

Meet Our Team

William Sullivan, MD

Vice Chair, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 
Director, Residency Training Program, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Aaron Yang, MD

Associate Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Associate Program Director, Residency Training Program, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 

Irene McKirgan, MSM

Program Manager, Residency Training Program
(615) 936-5502
irene.m.mckirgan.1@vumc.org

Residency Selection Team

Along with Drs. Sullivan and Yang, the following faculty serve as members of the residency selection team:

William M. Jones, MD

Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Cristina Kline-Quiroz, DO

Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Lauren Massey, MD

Assistant Professor of Clinical, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Clausyl J. Plummer, MD

Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

For more information about the PM&R Residency Program and Graduate Medical Education at VUMC, click here to view virtual tours.

Frequently Asked Questions