Three Things That Keep PM&R Residents Up at Night (And Why They Don't Have To)

If you're finishing up your PM&R residency, you've probably had at least one sleepless night wondering if you're making the right career moves. You're not alone. After talking with dozens of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residents over the years, we've noticed the same three worries come up again and again.

These concerns are completely valid, but they don't have to derail your future. At Physiatry Associates of Texas, we've seen these challenges from both sides—we've been there as physicians, and we've learned how to address them as a practice.

The Big Three Worries Every PM&R Resident Faces

1. Finding a PM&R Job You Actually Want

This one hits hard. You've spent years training, probably moved multiple times, and now you're wondering if you'll end up somewhere you actually want to live, doing work you're passionate about, for PM&R salary that makes those student loans manageable.

The geographic lottery feels real when you're looking at PM&R job opportunities. Great location, terrible pay. Good money, but it's in the middle of nowhere. Perfect job description, but the practice seems questionable.

Here's what most residents don't realize: The best opportunities aren't always the ones with the flashiest job postings. Sometimes they're with established practices that have been quietly building something special.

That's us in North Texas. We've been here for years, working with multiple award-winning rehabilitation programs. We've watched this region grow into something really exciting for PM&R physicians. When residents join us, they get to work across the full spectrum:

It's the kind of diverse PM&R practice experience that keeps the work interesting and your skills sharp.

2. PM&R Salary Uncertainty

Nobody talks about this enough in residency, but the PM&R compensation uncertainty is real. You hear wildly different numbers depending on who you ask, where you look, and what subspecialty you're considering. Meanwhile, those loan payments are very real.

Financial stress affects everything—where you can live, when you can start a family, whether you can actually enjoy the career you've worked so hard for.

Our approach is different: We believe in being upfront about PM&R physician salary from day one. No games, no surprises six months in. You'll know what to expect, and we'll make sure it reflects both your value and our success as a practice. When we do well, our physicians do well.

3. PM&R Burnout Before You Even Get Started

This one might be the most heartbreaking because it's so preventable. You've heard the stories about overwhelming patient loads, impossible documentation requirements, feeling like you're drowning in acute rehabilitation settings where every day is a crisis.

The truth: Burnout isn't inevitable. It's often the result of bad systems, poor support, and practices that prioritize volume over everything else.

We do things differently. Our motto isn't just marketing speak: "Competition makes us faster, Collaboration makes us better." We mean it.

When you're part of our team, you're not managing impossible caseloads alone. We work closely with hospital leadership, but more importantly, we work closely with each other. This means:

Why Northeast Texas PM&R Jobs Are Different Right Now

This region is experiencing something special. The population is growing, people are recognizing how crucial rehabilitation medicine is for outcomes, and the opportunities for PM&R physicians in Texas are expanding faster than we've ever seen.

We've positioned ourselves right in the middle of this growth. When you join Physiatry Associates of Texas, you're not just getting a job—you're joining a team that's been building relationships and reputation here for years. You get to be part of something that's already working, rather than trying to figure it all out on your own.

The Real Talk About PM&R Career Concerns

Those sleepless nights worrying about your future? The concerns are valid. The PM&R job search is stressful. The financial uncertainty is real. The burnout risk is something every physician should take seriously.

But the right practice environment changes everything. When you have established leadership, a collaborative team, geographic stability, and honest communication about compensation, those obstacles become manageable challenges rather than career-ending problems.

What's Next for Your PM&R Career

If any of this resonates with you, let's talk. We're actively looking for PM&R physicians who want to be part of something established but still growing, who value collaboration over competition, and who want to practice Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation the way it should be practiced.

You've worked too hard to settle for a practice that doesn't support your goals. Northeast Texas is growing, PM&R is more important than ever, and we're looking for the right people to grow with us.

Ready to explore PM&R opportunities that address your biggest concerns? Reach out to Physiatry Associates of Texas today. No pressure, no sales pitch—just an honest conversation about whether we might be a good fit for each other.

Because your residency concerns shouldn't become your career limitations.

Physiatry Associates of Texas is actively hiring PM&R physicians for positions across North Texas. Learn more about our collaborative approach to rehabilitation medicine and competitive compensation packages.