Musculoskeletal Ultrasound as a Motivator for Selecting a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program in the United States

Abstract This study aimed to determine the influence of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) curriculum on applicants during the residency-selection process. A survey of 666 applicants for the Johns Hopkins University, Mayo Clinic, and Harvard/Spaulding Rehabilitation Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation programs was conducted in June 2020. A total of 180 respondents scored the influence of a MSKUS curriculum on their decision making for residency selection. In addition, applicants were asked to rank specific areas of physical medicine and rehabilitation that influenced their decision making. Participants most commonly included MSKUS in their top three areas of interest when constructing their rank order list. When asked whether MSKUS presence within a program had an effect during the interview-selection process, 71% responded with “very important” or “absolutely essential” ( P < 0.001). For 74% of applicants, exposure to MSKUS in residency was an important factor when creating their rank order list ( P < 0.001). More than 92% of applicants stated that they are “likely” or “very likely” to use MSKUS in their future practice and 83% would recommend a program with MSKUS to future candidates ( P < 0.001). Based on these results, a large percentage of physical medicine and rehabilitation applicants intend on using MSKUS in their future practice. Therefore, MSKUS may be an important factor for residency selection.