Audition (Away) Elective
If you are a medical student interested in an audition or away elective in our department, your institution must be participating in Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO). The elective is a 4-week rotation between the months of July to December. Please note that rotation dates are created by Rush Medical College and cannot be altered. Start dates:
- July 6
- August 3
- August 31
- September 28
- October 26
- November 23
The rotation will be split between Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation, Consult Service, and Outpatient Clinic, working with both faculty and residents. Students will also sit in resident AM didactics once a week.
How to Apply
The program catalog will open on March 2, 2026, and all applications will be reviewed and selected through VSLO. Decisions can be expected in early April.
UPDATE: AS OF APRIL 23, 2026, OUR ROTATION SPOTS ARE FULL AND WE ARE NO LONGER REVIEWING VSLO APPLICATIONS. SHOULD A ROTATION SPOT BECOME AVAILABLE, WE MAY REACH OUT TO FILL IT.
Application Requirements
- Immunizations (AAMC Immunization Form)
- USMLE Step One (MD) or COMLEX (DO) scores
- Photograph (for badge)
- Transcript
- CV - please list your top 5 activities (including PM&R activities) and list your publications separately
- Personal Statement - please ensure to include answers to the following prompts:
- The field of PM&R is defined by the lives we help restore through functional improvements. Please describe ONE specific clinical encounter or personal experience that solidified your commitment to our field.
- Keeping our mission and clinical aims in mind, how will rotating at Rush align with your clinical and professional goals?
- Please describe your interest in Chicago and/or the Midwest
Volunteer / Observership Opportunities
As part of our commitment to teaching and supporting future physiatrists, our department is available to take in any individuals interested in completing an observership or shadowing experience during the months of January - May. We are fortunate to have many learners interested in working with our attendings and residents and as a result, shadowing opportunities may be limited. Please email our program coordinator at Pamela_Hurtado@rush.edu with your interest.
Observerships are limited to one week and subject to attending availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed.
UPDATE: WE NO LONGER HAVE OBSERVERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2026. OPPORTUNITIES WILL RESUME IN JAN 2027.