Residents have weekly faculty-led didactic lectures that are organized by blocks covering all major facets of rehabilitation. To optimize learning, lecture time is protected from rotation duties. Didactic sessions are combined with Journal Clubs led by residents discussing the newest developments in PM&R.  A brief list of rehabilitation topics covered include:

• Stroke 

• General Rehabilitation 

• EMG 

• TBI 

• SCI 

• Amputation and Trauma 

• Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy 

We intermittently feature guest speakers from across the country giving specialty lectures. Residents are also invited to lectures taking place at Washington State University School of Medicine. 

In conjunction with Washington State University, we are pleased to host the annual Dr. Joel DeLisa Endowed Lectureship in PM&R which occurs every spring. The inaugural lecture was given by Dr. Steven Kirshblum.

The lectureship was established in 2024 when WSU alumni Joel DeLisa, MD, and Janet Hopper DeLisa established the Dr. Joel DeLisa Endowed Lectureship and Continuing Education Fund in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The aim of the fund is to advance knowledge in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation for students, residents, and practitioners in Spokane and beyond.

Dr. and Mrs. DeLisa are both 1964 WSU graduates. Dr. DeLisa went on to become the founding director of Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Center and authored the internationally recognized textbook DeLisa’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Principles and Practice, now in its sixth edition.

We have developed a strong partnership with researchers at Washington State University as well as the Gleason Foundation for Neuroscience in Spokane. The teaching faculty have published more than 300 peer-reviewed manuscripts and have been awarded more than $25M in research funding. We encourage all residents to submit research to national conferences and hone their skills within the scientific process.

Residents have access to WSU and Providence Medical Group Libraries, Catalogues and Databases. Our residents have also created an in-house Research Summary Library summarizing key research studies for easy understanding and use.

RMSTP

Resident Anand Patil, DO (class of 2026) was selected as one of the Association of Academic Physiatrists Rehabilitation Medicine Scientist Training Program (RMSTP) fellows for 2025. RMSTP is a competitive program that aims to support physiatrists in training to grow their careers and contribute to original research in the field of PM&R. We look forward to seeing Dr. Patil's work!