Connect your training story to the right PM&R Pain Medicine program

Question practice

Questions drawn from the realities of PM&R Pain Medicine

Practise explaining the clinical decisions, patient conversations and career experiences that matter in PM&R Pain Medicine—then handle follow-ups that ask for evidence behind your first answer.

1. 01

   How do you envision the role of a PM&R-trained pain physician differing from other pain specialists, and why do you find that distinction appealing?

2. 02

   You are asked to evaluate a 30-year-old patient with persistent cervical radiculopathy after a motor vehicle accident, who has undergone physical therapy and NSAIDs without significant relief; what are your next diagnostic steps and initial treatment considerations?

3. 03

   Describe a time during your PM&R residency when you had to coordinate complex care for a chronic pain patient across multiple disciplines, such as with physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, and social work; what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

4. 04

   A patient with chronic neuropathic pain expresses suicidal ideation during a routine follow-up appointment; what is your immediate ethical and clinical response as their PM&R Pain physician?

5. 05

   What is your understanding of the concept of 'minimal clinically important difference' in pain outcome measures, and why is it important when evaluating the efficacy of a new pain intervention or rehabilitation program?

6. 06

   How important is a dedicated chronic pain rehabilitation program to your ideal fellowship training, and what role do you see yourself playing within such a multidisciplinary setting?