Zach Dickey, DO, a recent graduate of Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Louisiana, matched into Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R), or physiatry, at the University of Miami after scoring interviews at some of the most competitive residencies, demonstrating that a strong COMLEX-USA score can be helpful in landing an excellent residency placement.
Dickey believes no specialty better embodies the philosophy of osteopathic medicine than physiatry, which treats the whole person by promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Through its integrative approach, PM&R focuses on restoring health by using both medical and manipulative techniques to optimize the body’s physiologic state and support its natural ability to heal and regenerate.
How did you choose your specialty, and how did you decide what programs to apply to?
Prior to medical school, I developed a deep passion for lifestyle medicine and for optimizing function and human physiology through lifestyle-based interventions. This passion ultimately led me to pursue osteopathic medicine, where I believed I had the best opportunity to merge my interests in medicine with a focus on the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit.
While in medical school, I discovered the field of physiatry and quickly realized it embodied the very principles I had become passionate about prior to medical school. It is a specialty dedicated to optimizing the quality of life for all individuals, regardless of their ailment. Whether someone has suffered a spinal cord injury, pulled a hamstring while running a marathon, or simply wants to improve their overall health and well-being, physiatry provides the means and philosophy to help them achieve their goals. I fell in love with this ideology and knew this was the path I wanted to pursue.
I may be biased, but I don’t think there is a bad program in our field. PM&R is a small, close-knit community, and every program offers something unique. That said, I applied broadly given how competitive the specialty has become, while prioritizing programs that demonstrated strength in or placed emphasis on traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), sports medicine, lifestyle medicine, and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).
I am passionate about contributing to neuro-regenerative research and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as advancing care in sports medicine, lifestyle and regenerative medicine, and pain management. My overall goal in physiatry is to become well-versed in all aspects of it, to confidently and accurately improve the quality of life for every patient I encounter.
What do you think made you a good match?
I believe my background in sports, passion for optimizing function, and interest in regenerative research have collectively positioned me as an excellent fit for the field of physiatry. PM&R is an incredibly diverse specialty that attracts individuals with a wide range of personalities and areas of focus, all united by a common goal: improving each patient’s ability to function and thrive.
Was there anything that you did in your interviews that influenced your rank order list? What are some things that you encountered in your interviews that you didn’t expect?
The biggest surprise I encountered during the application process was how many genuine people I met and the meaningful conversations I was able to have throughout the interview season. While many applicants experience “interview fatigue,” I found that each interview day felt like a new opportunity to connect with inspiring and welcoming individuals.
One of the most memorable moments came after interview season, just before Match Day, when I attended the Association of Academic Physiatrists Physiatry ’25 Conference—one of our national meetings. There, I unexpectedly ran into many of the same individuals I had met during interviews. I was genuinely touched by how many of them not only remembered me but also recalled the small, personal details we had shared in conversation. That experience reaffirmed just how special and community-oriented the field of physiatry truly is.
Ultimately, it was these interactions at the Physiatry ’25 Conference that most influenced my final rank order list. Before the conference, I had not yet finalized my list. The conversations and connections I had during that event provided clarity and helped solidify my decisions. I’m confident that, had I finalized my list before attending—or skipped the conference altogether—Match Day and my future would have looked entirely different.
Do you have any tips for DO students who are interested in PM&R?
There is a lot of discussion about the growing competitiveness of PM&R, and it can certainly feel intimidating as an applicant. However, I genuinely believe that with enough passion and dedication to the field, you can significantly strengthen your chances of matching. One of the challenges is that many people still don’t fully understand what PM&R is or what it encompasses, and that is the biggest thing programs look for in applicants.
The beauty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) lies in its breadth and adaptability—there is no single, perfect description of what a physiatrist does. At its core, the ultimate goal of our field is to improve the quality of life for individuals facing obstacles or challenges, regardless of their underlying cause. Physiatry is not confined to inpatient rehabilitation following an acute illness or injury, just as it is not limited to managing outpatient conditions such as shoulder pain in a patient with an otherwise unremarkable workup. Instead, our mission is to restore structure and function—an aim that aligns closely with a fundamental tenet of osteopathic medicine.
What does it mean to “get involved”? The most effective way, I believe, is to attend conferences and engage with programs, residents, and fellow students. Attending these events not only demonstrates your commitment to the field in your residency application but also provides valuable exposure to the wide range of subspecialties and the incredible scope of what physiatry offers.
It can be challenging to know how to stand out during medical school—especially if your institution doesn’t have a PM&R interest group—but don’t let that stop you. Of course, study hard, aim for strong grades and board scores, seek out a PM&R rotation during your third year, and take advantage of any research opportunities that arise. However, I would also recommend reaching out through social media or email. The physiatry community is incredibly supportive and always willing to help. These steps can go a long way in helping you find your place in this dynamic and rewarding specialty.