Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Training in Taiwan and the United States

Abstract In response to the growing need, physical medicine and rehabilitation residency programs have continued to expand significantly in both the United States and Taiwan. While Taiwan’s physical medicine and rehabilitation approach was initially modeled after the US system, substantial differences have evolved, shaped by distinct medical systems and cultural contexts. This article compares similarities and differences between representative physical medicine and rehabilitation residency training programs in Taiwan and the US, using National Taiwan University Hospital and Virginia Commonwealth University as examples. The core components of both programs are examined and compared. Key differences in subspecialty training, team collaboration models, cultural influences, and reimbursement systems are explored in detail. These comparisons offer actionable insights for program development. US programs may consider enhancing musculoskeletal ultrasound training and specifying required subspecialty exposures during inpatient and outpatient rotations, while Taiwan may explore implementing structured subspecialty fellowships. Despite the differences, both systems share a commitment to comprehensive physiatric education and interdisciplinary teamwork. Scholarly exchange between National Taiwan University Hospital and Virginia Commonwealth University has enriched residents’ experiences and is expected to foster lasting international collaborations that contribute to the continued clinical and academic advancement of physical medicine and rehabilitation.