Quantitative Analysis of a Program Director Panel for International Medical Graduates Applying to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency: A Pilot Study on Self-Perceived Knowledge and Confidence

International medical graduates (IMGs) hold a growing number of positions in the physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) workforce; however, many IMGs continue to encounter notable challenges in navigating the United States residency application process. Accordingly, this study organized a one-hour, program director (PD)-led webinar to evaluate the impact of this educational event on attendees’ self-perceived knowledge and confidence of seven key domains, including: (i) their baseline understanding of the PM&R residency program, (ii) writing a personal statement, (iii) building a curriculum vitae and arranging geographic preferences, (iv) communication for letters of recommendation and standard letters of evaluation, (v) utilization of program signaling, (vi) Interview and post-interview communication, and (vii) Other IMG-specific considerations. By comparing pre- and post-session questionnaire results, this retrospective study found statistically significant improvements in IMGs’ self-perceived knowledge and confidence across all seven domains after attending this PD-led panel. Moreover, the overall satisfaction was high, and attendees reported that the panel was well-structured, relevant, and engaging. Accordingly, these findings highlight the importance of direct PD engagement in IMG-focused PMR education and the need for continued research into the specific challenges encountered by IMGs pursuing a PM&R residency application in the United States.