Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders: A Novel Approach to Promoting PM&R via High School Initiatives, A Longitudinal Study

Background and/or Objectives: The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) has advocated for greater recognition of physiatrists as leaders in rehabilitation through its Visioning Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) BOLD initiative. However, awareness of PM&R remains low among students, possibly due to limited exposure. Research indicates that early exposure to healthcare careers, even in high school, can foster interest in medicine and improve representation across specialties. While such programs have demonstrated success in other medical fields, similar initiatives in PM&R remain limited and unexplored. We developed the first structured, multi-institutional half-day workshop to introduce high school students to PM&R, highlighting innovative technologies and approaches.

Design: The workshop brought together physicians, medical students, and pre-medical students from New York City. The curriculum featured networking opportunities, lectures on PM&R and virtual reality, and hands-on activities (e.g., ultrasound training, yoga, and medical device design).

Setting : Multi-institutional.

Participants : High school students.

Interventions: Half-day workshop.

Main Outcome Measures: Baseline PM&R knowledge, demographics, and workshop learning objectives were assessed at pre/post-workshop, and at three months follow-up.

Results: A diverse group of 69 students attended the event and completed a pre-workshop survey. Most were female (66%), with 36% first-generation college students and 35% identifying as underrepresented in medicine. None had prior exposure to PM&R through shadowing or mentorship. Post-workshop results (91% response rate, 63/69) showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in appreciation for virtual reality in medicine, yoga as rehabilitation, continuity of care, and understanding of PM&R and physiatrists' roles. Three-month follow-up (n=23) demonstrated sustained outcomes with no significant change in interest in PM&R (p>0.05).

Conclusions: The curriculum was well received, effectively increasing short- and long-term awareness and interest in PM&R. These findings may inform future initiatives that would provide early exposure and attract diverse talent.