2025 Q&A Fellowship Series- Non-traditional Fellowships-AAP Fellowship Summer Series: Non-traditional Fellowships

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This panel discussion features a group of PM&R (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation) residents and fellows who share insights on pursuing non-traditional fellowships and career paths within medicine. Panelists include Dr. Rizzo (osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine), Dr. Bromstead (neurocritical care), Dr. Hall (addiction medicine), Dr. Ha (sports spine and regenerative medicine), and Dr. Lewis (clinical informatics).<br /><br />Each fellow describes their unique fellowship experience, highlighting how their specialized training complements their PM&R background. Dr. Rizzo emphasizes the osteopathic focus combined with ultrasound and regenerative medicine. Dr. Bromstead shares challenges adapting to neurocritical care and the importance of leadership support and flexibility. Dr. Hall discusses building an addiction medicine consult service and combining clinical work with research on pain and addiction. Dr. Ha focuses on a hybrid sports spine/regenerative medicine fellowship shaped by passion and mentorship, advocating for aligning fellowship choices with one’s ikigai (reason for being). Dr. Lewis explains clinical informatics’ role in improving healthcare technology workflows and how PM&R skills uniquely position physicians to bridge administration and clinical care.<br /><br />The panel discusses how to explore and apply for these fellowships, emphasizing networking, seeking mentorship, attending conferences, and being proactive—even if opportunities seem non-traditional or informal. Fellows emphasize the value of humility, curiosity, and adaptability when starting fellowship, acknowledging knowledge gaps but encouraging leaning into growth and learning.<br /><br />Day-to-day fellowship experiences vary widely—from outpatient clinics and procedure-based care to ICU shifts and healthcare technology projects. The panel concludes by encouraging trainees to pursue their passions boldly, stay open to unconventional paths, and leverage their PM&R training to carve meaningful and innovative careers.

Keywords

PM&R fellowships

non-traditional medical careers

osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine

neurocritical care fellowship

addiction medicine consult service

sports spine regenerative medicine

clinical informatics in healthcare

mentorship in medical training

career development in PM&R

innovative medical career paths