Residency Recruitment
Applying to UK PM&R
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) offers a 4-year categorical program that provides a challenging yet rewarding resident education, focusing on building broad foundational knowledge while also supporting specialty interests of individual learners. We pride ourselves on building not only cohesive teams within each PGY level, but a balanced yet robust residency class to support peer mentorship and growth.
Our program currently offers seven (7) PGY-1 positions (1848340C0) for the 2026-2027 academic year through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), and all applications are submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Once submitted, applications are holistically reviewed and candidates are selected for interview based on a range of factors and qualities. We welcome all interested parties to apply or reach out with questions.
REQUIREMENT |
DETAILS / ADDITIONAL INFO |
|---|---|
Completed Application in ERAS |
Deadline to Apply is 12/1/2025. |
Personal Statement |
Please include information on why you chose PM&R as a specialty of interest, as well as any unique attributes or experiences outside of medicine. We want to know YOU! |
USLME / COMLEX Score Reports |
Applicants are only required to provide scores for USMLE or COMLEX, but are welcome to submit scores for both. Step 1 and 2 required (as applicable). |
Medical School Transcript and Performance Evaluation (MSPE) |
Official transcript as well as MSPE are required |
3 Letters of Recommendation (LOR) |
At least one must be a SLOE; additional letters accepted. |
Dean's Letter |
In addition to the LORs listed above |
Recent Photograph |
Please note the requirements listed in ERAS for photos. |
Additional documentation as required in circumstances including |
Prior graduation from medical school; prior GME training; IMG documentation, etc. |
Foreign Medical Graduates
UK PM&R encourages any International Medical Graduates to apply for our program if interested. Additional requirements include that candidates be ECFMG certified by June 30th of the year they start residency, and posses a J-1 visa per the UK Graduate Medical Education office (other visas are not sponsored / accepted).
Please note that all visa decisions are made by the Graduate Medical Education office, not Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and questions regarding this process should be addressed to their contact email. Additional documentation regarding medical education and ECFMG documentation may be required in ERAS.
Foreign Medical Graduates
UK PM&R encourages any International Medical Graduates to apply for our program if interested. Additional requirements include that candidates be ECFMG certified by June 30th of the year they start residency, and posses a J-1 visa per the UK Graduate Medical Education office (other visas are not sponsored / accepted).
Please note that all visa decisions are made by the Graduate Medical Education office, not Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and questions regarding this process should be addressed to their contact email. Additional documentation regarding medical education and ECFMG documentation may be required in ERAS.
Interview Process and Information
UK PM&R utilizes ERAS, Thalamus, and Zoom to ensure a seamless interview experience with a secure and reliable connection to our availability, communications, and more. Last year we saw success in the strategic collaboration between Thalamus and AAMC, and are excited for the innovations across the transition to residency process that will be implemented for the 2025 season. These systems will be used in tandem with zoom for UK PM&R's interview experience. You can learn more on this strategic collaboration the Thalamus or AMC websites.
Residency Resources
Prior to interviewing, all candidates are encouraged to visit the UK GME Prospective Resident and Fellows page to review information related to:
- Stipends and Benefits
- Contracts
- GME Policies and Procedures
- Required Interview Forms
This information applies to all resident learners at UK, so check it out!
Please note this information is updated by UK's Institutional GME office, and questions about these items should be directed to their preferred contact.
Interview Dates and Availability
We offer a total of 6 interview dates that will be held between Oct - Dec, with dates falling on Thursdays or Fridays. Candidates selected to interview will receive an invitation from Thalamus and schedule using the smart calendar. Important things to note:
- UK PM&R does not send more invitations than interview slots
- Candidates are given 48 hours to schedule before the waitlist is activated
- Candidates are able to schedule, reschedule, and waitlist themselves on preferred dates
Schedule and Events
Resident Meet & Greet
Candidates are invited to join optional Resident Meet and Greet session the evening prior to their interviews. This virtual event takes place from 7-8 p.m., and is a learner only event - no faculty allowed!
Interview Day Schedule
Interviews are completely virtual (zoom) and occur from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. EST, where candidates will meet with various faculty, residents, chat with the program director, and more.
Sample Schedule
| Time (EST) | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10 a.m. | Login |
| 10 - 11:30 a.m. | Welcome from the Program Director |
| 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:30 - 3:20 p.m. | Interview Sessions (and Breaks) |
| 3:20 - 3:30 p.m. | Group Questions |
| 3:30 p.m. | End of Day |
Additional Resources
Documents for Interview
Prior to interviewing, all candidates must sign the required forms and return them to the Program Manager (Coordinator)
- Authorization and Release of Information
- GME Acknowledgement Form
- Interview Recording Agreement Form
These documents can be found in Thalamus or on the GME website, and can be signed with a written signature or digitally via Adobe Secure Digital Signature (directions included).
Documents for Interview
Prior to interviewing, all candidates must sign the required forms and return them to the Program Manager (Coordinator)
- Authorization and Release of Information
- GME Acknowledgement Form
- Interview Recording Agreement Form
These documents can be found in Thalamus or on the GME website, and can be signed with a written signature or digitally via Adobe Secure Digital Signature (directions included).
About the University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is a public, land grant university dedicated to improving people's lives through excellence in education, research and creative work, service, and health care. As Kentucky’s flagship institution, the university plays a critical leadership role by promoting diversity, inclusion, economic development and human well-being.
UK Healthcare, where graduate medical education takes place, is making continuous and consistent advancements in medicine. Some notable achievements and designations for UK include:
- Best Hospital in KY by U.S. News and World report (9 years in a row)
- Level I Trauma center (UK Chandler Hospital) with a Level IV NICU (Kentucky Children's Hospital)
- One of only 33 institutions in the nation with the NIA-designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (UK Sanders-Brown)
- Expansive and collaborative efforts across KY through 500+ outreach programs, affiliate networks for cancer, heart, and stroke care in rural areas, and collaborations with multiple rural hospitals including Pikeville Medical Center and King's Daughters.
With over 100 GME programs in 6 regions, UK continues to be in the top quartile of ACGME Sponsoring Intuitions nationwide.
About the University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is a public, land grant university dedicated to improving people's lives through excellence in education, research and creative work, service, and health care. As Kentucky’s flagship institution, the university plays a critical leadership role by promoting diversity, inclusion, economic development and human well-being.
UK Healthcare, where graduate medical education takes place, is making continuous and consistent advancements in medicine. Some notable achievements and designations for UK include:
- Best Hospital in KY by U.S. News and World report (9 years in a row)
- Level I Trauma center (UK Chandler Hospital) with a Level IV NICU (Kentucky Children's Hospital)
- One of only 33 institutions in the nation with the NIA-designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (UK Sanders-Brown)
- Expansive and collaborative efforts across KY through 500+ outreach programs, affiliate networks for cancer, heart, and stroke care in rural areas, and collaborations with multiple rural hospitals including Pikeville Medical Center and King's Daughters.
With over 100 GME programs in 6 regions, UK continues to be in the top quartile of ACGME Sponsoring Intuitions nationwide.
About Lexington
We are located in the heart of the Bluegrass Region - with sights and activities to entertain the mind, body, and spirit. From exploring the outdoors to experiencing the arts of the world, we've got it all.
- Outdoors: explore the Daniel Boone national forest, rock climb in Red River Gorge, go underground in Mammoth Cave, or find botanical beauties at the UK Arboretum.
- Sports: take on the competition with Pickleball or Roller Derby, or grab tickets to a UK basketball or football game. The Bengals and Reds are just up the road.
- Music: find your favorite artist at our multiple music venues (large and small) or see a Broadway show at the opera house.
- Food: taste the comforts of southern cooking, share a meal inspired by other cultures, and savor the fine dining cuisine all in one.
Looking to get away? Lexington is also a main hub for travel - offering the Bluegrass Airport (LEX) for easy access to flights across the country. Other regional airports, including CVG (Cincinnati) and SDF (Louisville), are only a short drive away.
To explore all our beautiful city and state have to offer, head on over to VisitLex or Discover Kentucky!
About Lexington
We are located in the heart of the Bluegrass Region - with sights and activities to entertain the mind, body, and spirit. From exploring the outdoors to experiencing the arts of the world, we've got it all.
- Outdoors: explore the Daniel Boone national forest, rock climb in Red River Gorge, go underground in Mammoth Cave, or find botanical beauties at the UK Arboretum.
- Sports: take on the competition with Pickleball or Roller Derby, or grab tickets to a UK basketball or football game. The Bengals and Reds are just up the road.
- Music: find your favorite artist at our multiple music venues (large and small) or see a Broadway show at the opera house.
- Food: taste the comforts of southern cooking, share a meal inspired by other cultures, and savor the fine dining cuisine all in one.
Looking to get away? Lexington is also a main hub for travel - offering the Bluegrass Airport (LEX) for easy access to flights across the country. Other regional airports, including CVG (Cincinnati) and SDF (Louisville), are only a short drive away.
To explore all our beautiful city and state have to offer, head on over to VisitLex or Discover Kentucky!
F.A.Q.
"Do you have to rotate with UK PM&R to be offered an interview?"
No, in fact many of our current residents never rotated with us! Note rotating with UK PM&R does not guarantee an interview invitation.
"Do I have to signal the program to get an interview?"
No, however it is part of our overall consideration and review
"How many interview slots does UK PM&R offer?"
We offer 60 total slots for interviews.
"When will UK PM&R send their interview invitations?"
Applications opened in ERAS as of Sept. 24th, 2025 and UK PM&R plans to send initial interview invitations by mid October.
"How many interview sessions will I have if invited?"
Candidates complete a total of 4 interviews, with two 20 minute breaks built in.
"Does UK PM&R offer second look opportunities?"
Currently we are evaluating this option and will post updates once we have more info.
F.A.Q.
"Do you have to rotate with UK PM&R to be offered an interview?"
No, in fact many of our current residents never rotated with us! Note rotating with UK PM&R does not guarantee an interview invitation.
"Do I have to signal the program to get an interview?"
No, however it is part of our overall consideration and review
"How many interview slots does UK PM&R offer?"
We offer 60 total slots for interviews.
"When will UK PM&R send their interview invitations?"
Applications opened in ERAS as of Sept. 24th, 2025 and UK PM&R plans to send initial interview invitations by mid October.
"How many interview sessions will I have if invited?"
Candidates complete a total of 4 interviews, with two 20 minute breaks built in.
"Does UK PM&R offer second look opportunities?"
Currently we are evaluating this option and will post updates once we have more info.
Contact Us
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact
Leslie Justice, C-TAGME
GME Program Manager, Sr.
leslie.justice@uky.edu
859-323-8244
For the quickest and more comprehensive responses, please use the preferred email contact information
