October 2024

REHABILITATION

MARIANJOY RESIDENCY PROGRAM CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION

Featuring: Larissa Pavone, MD and Anita W. Kou, MD

Since 1994, resident physicians have gained valuable exposure to the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) by learning from experienced faculty members at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. During the 36-month program, the main campus in Wheaton is where PM&R residents receive most of their clinical experience. Marianjoy’s residency program has always been known for its strong and diverse clinical training. The program takes pride in its family-like atmosphere.   
 
Larissa Pavone, MD, is the current residency program director. She is board-certified in both adult and pediatric PM&R.  She recently had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Rao who was program director for 16 years. Dr. Rao reflected that when he assumed the role of program director in 2000, there were a total of nine residents in the program. He expanded the residency program to its current state of 18 residents and established partnerships with various sites where residents could gain robust experiences in injection procedures, EMG studies, and outpatient musculoskeletal experiences.  Dr. Rao went on to say that ensuring Marianjoy residents became well-rounded physiatrists with the confidence, skills and clinical experience to be fully prepared to excel as an attending physiatrist on day one after residency was both a privilege and a joy. 

In addition to robust outpatient experiences, residents have dedicated rotations at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital and Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center. A unique aspect of the residency program at Marianjoy is the leadership opportunities that residents can take part in. Residents participate in various quality projects and committees which allows them to collaborate with and share their experiences, ideas and perspectives with fellow residents, team members and leaders.

The residency program has produced a large alumni network with graduates who have become local and national leaders in PM&R. Anita W. Kou, MD, associate residency program director and spinal cord injury medical director, has inspired future SCI specialists. Dr. Kou has stated “considering the limited spots available for SCI fellowships each year, having two fellowship-trained SCI doctors remain on staff demonstrates the strength of Marianjoy's program and commitment to serving challenging patient populations.” The program is proud to see residents enter directly into practice as well as pursue competitive fellowships. In the past year, Northwestern Medicine has hired three fellowship-trained Marianjoy alumni.  Dr. Pavone states that she is thrilled to see alumni return to work at Marianjoy and throughout the NM healthcare system.
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Since 1994, a total of 128 residents have completed training at Marianjoy. “I look forward to the program continuing to thrive and produce outstanding physicians in the years ahead,” says Dr. Pavone.
Larissa Pavone, MD, is the current residency program director, health system clinician of physical therapy and human movement sciences, and pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital.
 Anita W. Kou, MD, associate residency program director and spinal cord injury medical director at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital.

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