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.

Welcome from the Program Director

Welcome to Vanderbilt Health's Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program. As Program Director, it’s a privilege to lead a program that is not only rooted in academic excellence and clinical rigor, but also deeply committed to developing well-rounded, compassionate, and capable physiatrists.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is an essential medical field for optimizing patient outcomes and quality of life. Our residents train in a wide range of clinical settings, working with diverse patient populations and learning from faculty who are passionate about teaching and advancing the field. From inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient musculoskeletal care to spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, pediatric rehabilitation, and interventional procedures, our program offers comprehensive exposure to all core areas of PM&R.

What sets us apart is our culture of collaboration, mentorship and support. We take pride not only in the strength of our training, but in the people who make this program what it is; curious, dedicated, and driven physiatrists who care deeply about their patients and each other.

Whether you’re interested in private practice, academic medicine, research or pursuing a sub-specialty, Vanderbilt offers the foundation and flexibility to help you achieve your goals. I encourage you to explore our program, connect with our residents and faculty, and see for yourself what makes Vanderbilt PM&R a truly special place to train.

Warm regards,

Robert Rinaldi, MD 

Residency Program Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

  • Residents work in a collaborative and supportive environment that provides comprehensive training in complex clinical skills, education, and research in PM&R.

    • The majority of our graduating classes are accepted into fellowship programs.
    • 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. See more information about our faculty, including research and clinical interests.
    • Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital is recognized as one of America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers, and has dedicated SCI, TBI, Stroke inpatient services as well as General Rehab and Complex Medicine services.
    • We provide a robust and collaborative environment for residents to engage in scholarly activities across the spectrum of PM&R. View the latest in PM&R Resident Research.
    • Our program is ranked in the top 30 in our respective specialty by Doximity Residency Navigator. Factors include culture, clinical diversity, career guidance, and overall satisfaction.

    For more information about Graduate Medical Education at VUMC, visit: https://www.vumc.org/gme/videos-intro-culture-and-lifestyle

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

    All applications must include:

    • ERAS Application
    • Curriculum vitae
    • Personal statement
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Successful completion of 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: Sept. 30

  • All interviews will be conducted virtually in-person in Nashville, TN

    Sunday, December 6, 2026
    Social event with our residents in the early evening

    Monday, December 7, 2026
    Applicants will be scheduled to interview in one of two groups (AM and PM)
    *Both groups will have lunch together

    Friday, January 8, 2027
    Social event with our residents in the early evening

    Saturday, January 9, 2027
    Applicants will be scheduled to interview in one of two groups (AM and PM)
    *Both groups will have lunch together

    Thursday, January 14, 2027
    Social event with our residents in the early evening

    Friday, January 15, 2027
    Half-day (AM) 1 group

  • Due to the vast number of highly qualified applicants, only a small number of international medical graduates are invited to interview. Significant "hands-on" clinical experience in the United States (NOT an observership or research) is highly recommended. For international medical graduates we require:

    • Three letters of recommendation from clinical supervisors in the United States
    • USMLE Steps 1 & 2 scores are required at the time of interview
    • Medical School graduation date of 2020 or later

    We sponsor J-1 Visas and consider sponsoring H-1B Visas 

  • Robert Rinaldi, MD 

    Professor and Vice Chair of Education
    Residency Program Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

    Dr Yang

    Aaron Yang, MD

    Associate Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
    Vice Chair of Faculty Development, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
    Associate Program Director, Residency Training Program, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
    Medical Director of Musculoskeletal Medicine at Concierge Medicine

    McKirgin Headshot

    Irene McKirgan, MSM

    Sr. GME Program Administrator
    (615) 936-5502
    irene.m.mckirgan.1@vumc.org