Family medicine residents in rehabilitation medicine

In the past 4 years, 26 3rd-year family medicine (FM) residents have rotated through the Monroe Community Hospital Rehabilitation Unit, affiliated with the University of Rochester School of Medicine. These rotations are essentially full-time for 1 or 2 months and involve working side by side with the rehabilitation medicine residents. The intention has been to expose the FM residents to general principles and problems they are likely to encounter when they enter private FM practice. Both residents and faculty have responded enthusiastically. Data gathered on pre- and postrotation attitudes toward rehabilitation medicine indicate favorable attitudes. Comparison showed similarities of interests between physiatrists and FM residents. Given this attitude, similar programs seem appropriate elsewhere.