Specialty: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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MD2B Connect Physician ID # 248

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Where will the rotation take place: The outpatient US clinical experience will take place in Los Angeles, California. There are two practice locations approximately 40 miles apart. Three days of the week will be in one location and the remaining two days at the other location.

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Hours: Monday - Friday 8 AM to 4 PM

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Hours have been provided by the preceptor. Hours are subject to change at the preceptor’s discretion, but the minimum total hours will remain approximately the same.

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What you will do: This is an outpatient experience during which you will be under the supervision of a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician who practices pain medicine. The physician is on staff at Hoag Hospital and Dignity Health. 

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During this clinical experience, you will see patients with a wide variety of musculoskeletal and spinal conditions. On a typical day, approximately 40 patients are seen on average. You will learn how to perform a thorough evaluation of patients, including an appropriate history and exam, to understand the root cause of the pain and assess current mobility and range of motion. The appropriate ordering and interpretation of imaging tests, including x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, will be discussed.

 

This physician takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to the treatment of pain using modalities such as physical rehabilitation, lifestyle change, medications, procedural interventions, and minimally invasive surgery. You will be able to observe injections of steroids or nerve blocks (e.g., facet joint injections, epidural steroid injections, sacroiliac joint steroid injections, selective nerve root block, lumbar sympathetic block). Other procedures performed include pulsed radiofrequency treatment, laser-assisted discectomy, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and spinal cord stimulation.

 

This physician is a dedicated teacher with experience precepting students from all over the world. He is invested in his students’ futures and is willing to make calls to residency programs on behalf of deserving students. Please note that his willingness to do so will depend on the quality of your performance.

 

After a few days of observation, you will take on an increasing role in patient encounters and learn the following under the preceptor’s supervision:​

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• Taking the history.

• Performing physical exams under the physician's supervision.

• Presenting patients.

• Have opportunities to research the literature to answer clinical questions at the point of care.

• Being involved in patient education.

• Spending time with other healthcare professionals to understand their roles and responsibilities.

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​Who should consider this rotation: International medical graduates (IMGs) and students seeking US clinical experience in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

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How to obtain a letter of recommendation: The rotator should ask the preceptor for a LOR near the conclusion of the rotation. Dr. Desai has provided the physician with guidelines about best practices in letter writing that meet residency program requirements. In some cases, the preceptor may ask the rotator to write a letter of recommendation draft. 

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​During the rotation: Our team will be checking in periodically with you to ensure that you are having an optimal experience. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions during the rotation.

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Wondering how to do well during your physical medicine rotation? Read Dr. Desai's article - How to Succeed in Your Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Rotation